Initial Police Learning and Development Programme Maidstone

Our IPLDP Programme provides you with a blend of practical “on-the-job” experience and classroom-based learning at Kent Police College in Maidstone. There is no requirement to undertake a degree or the associated course work.

Before you apply, please read our 'evidencing your skills and experience' section below to ensure that your application has the best chance of success. You will not be able to progress to the next stage of the recruitment process if you do not provide sufficient examples.

Please note should this police officer entry route be oversubscribed, it may be necessary for us to make changes to your entry route based on your eligibility to secure your optimum joining date. If this is the case, we will contact you.

Entry requirements

You must meet the eligibility criteria for becoming a police officer outlined in who we are looking for. You will also need to meet one of the following:

• hold a level 3 qualification as defined in the Education and Skills Act 2008 e.g. one A-Level or equivalent
• I am a member of Kent Police staff, a PCSO or special constable and have passed my probationary period.
• I have a minimum of four years’ service with the Armed Forces and have achieved an exemplary reference on discharge.
• I have previous work experience or training relevant to the role of a police constable. To apply using your work experience or training, you will need to show:
  • that you have work experience or training that is comparable to a level 3 qualification. You will need to have completed one year’s work experience and have passed any mandatory probation period and training necessary in your role. Our application form will require you to outline your experience of:

• understanding customer/public needs and provide effective support to the customer/public
• adapting your communication style to meet the needs of different people
• solving complex problems and making decisions

Level 3 requires you to have undertaken "more complex work" so please ensure that your evidence outlines your experience undertaking work at this level.

• hold a GCSE in English (language or literature) at grade C or above (or Grades 4 to 9 or equivalent) or, provide evidence of how your experience or training is equivalent to a GCSE (or equivalent) in English and has equipped you with the potential to undertake the necessary elements of the role (for example writing statements, reports, reviewing information, speaking to the public, conducting interviews etc.)
• hold a GCSE in maths at grade C or above (or grades 4 to 9 or equivalent) or, provide evidence of how your experience or training is equivalent to a GCSE (or equivalent) in maths and has equipped you with the potential to undertake the necessary elements of the role (for example problem solving, accounting, critically assess information, analyse data etc.)

Please ensure all relevant training you have completed is detailed on the 'professional qualifications' section of the application form. We will consider this when assessing your application.

All qualifications will have to be evidenced before a formal offer is issued.

Evidencing your skills and experience

We will ask you to answer the following questions. Please respond fully drawing from your previous experience, aiming for approximately 200 words in each response.

• how you understand customer needs and provide effective support
• how you adapt your communication skills to meet the needs of different people
• how you solve complex problems and make good decisions
• how your experience or training is equivalent to a GCSE (or equivalent) in maths and has equipped you with the potential to undertake the necessary elements of the role
• how your experience or training is equivalent to a GCSE (or equivalent) in English and has equipped you with the potential to undertake the necessary elements of the role

When constructing your response, use examples from previous roles or life experience. You can use the STAR method to create your response:

• describe the situation
• clarify your task
• explain the action you took
• list the results

Example

In my current role as an engineering supervisor, I consider communication to be a really important part of leading my team. Although engineers often have their own tasks to accomplish, my management style uses regular communication and feedback to make sure everyone understands their targets. I ensure my team knows they can come to me with any questions or suggestions and I am very accessible through online chat software or on the phone. I also have daily meetings with my team so we can freely talk to each other about the day's projects and raise any questions or concerns.

Last year, one of my engineers had an idea for a new feature to one of our projects, but he needed help figuring out how it would work and how to implement it. We spent several meetings drafting ideas together and talking about the different aspects of the new feature. It took time, but our meetings and communication led to a successful new feature that we incorporated into subsequent projects.

Training and assessment

You will start your training at our training college which will involve both classroom-based and practical learning. Upon successful completion of your initial training, you will join an operational policing team where you will continue your learning and development whilst undertaking operational day-to-day police duties.

The programme will cover a wide range of policing topics including:

• operational policing, legislation and police powers
• protection, vulnerability and public protection
• policing communities, response policing and crime investigation
• officer safety training
• emergency first aid
• safeguarding
• application of policing skills

You will undertake a number of operational, written and practical assessments throughout the programme to demonstrate your ability to carry out your policing responsibilities. In addition, you will also be required to complete a portfolio in which you will record your achievements and provide evidence of your progress in order to pass your operational assessments against a range of critical policing skills.

You will be fully supported throughout the process, helping you to develop and enhance the skills and experience you need for this challenging but rewarding role.