Police Constable | Jersey Police
What does a typical day look like for you?
What’s great about the Police is that no two days are ever the same. Now and for the last four years, I’ve worked in response policing. Depending on operational deployment and based on my skill sets, I’m either out on patrol responding directly to non-emergency and emergency calls or otherwise, taking those calls as the first point of contact as a Control Room operator. I work shifts, a mixture of days, lates and nights.
How did you get your job? / What training, degree, education do you need?
With the idea of joining the Police engrained from my mid-teens, with no requirement to obtain a specific degree or qualification, I developed my CV with community-based experience and work so that my application looked appealing with idea of developing “life experience” at the forefront. My application process consisted of written tests and a full day of assessments, to include interviews, group discussions and thought-provoking exercises. Included in the recruitment stages were fitness tests to ensure we were of good physical health.
What are the most important skills needed for your role/job?
There are several different skills that are of great importance when holding the role of a Police Officer. High ethical standards, commitment to fairness and equality, strong communication skills and a passion to serve the community are examples of what is expected from someone who is keen to join.
Are there any future skills you will need to learn for your role?
As it stands, as with when I joined, I trained for ten weeks in Norfolk alongside four other Jersey recruits and several UK students. When in Norfolk, I gained skills and knowledge on law and policy, officer safety and interviewing, to name a few. We were able to apply this training with frequent practical assessments and knowledge checks. Since the completion of my probation, I’ve expanded my skills, to include becoming an emergency driver.
What is the best part of your job? / What motivates you in this role?
I joined because I wanted to help people. You get that sense of fulfilment when you make a difference to someone’s life or otherwise, bring somebody to justice for matters, that hold them accountable for their actions.
What advice would you give someone interested in a career in your profession?
Make sure you’ve had the chance to experience what life brings and what’s out there. If you haven’t, go traveling, meet people and learn from others so that you’ve got a great basis to work off. If you’re driven to join the Police, work within the community and develop examples of working with others.
What is on your Bucket List and why?
I’d love to do a tour of the Amazon Rainforest. I’m intrigued by wildlife and there’s no better place for it. It would be out of my comfort zone, but the experience would be unforgettable.
