Police Force
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Category: General Chat
Forum Name: General Chat
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URL: https://www.ohbaby.co.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=22956
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Topic: Police Force
Posted By: MissCandice
Subject: Police Force
Date Posted: 05 December 2008 at 3:11pm
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Has anyone tried to get into the police force before? How hard is it?
Iv been thinking about this alot lately and its becoming more and more interesting.. I know you have to do training up north or something, but what are the placements like for work after that, someone told me you dont get a choice where your going to work they send you to where there is an opening? Is that true? ------------- ~ Mummy to a beautiful girl ~ |
Replies:
Posted By: kebakat
Date Posted: 05 December 2008 at 3:19pm
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This is from my friend who is a new cop...
"u do training in porirua and its tough but not too hard but fun too. u get to choose where u go u have a first and second choice. How fast it takes does depend on what districts needs are, i chose palmy but i was waiting for over a year and when i changed to hamilton i was in within a week" |
Posted By: McPloppy
Date Posted: 05 December 2008 at 3:35pm
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there is a waiting list for CHCH but I do not know how long you would have to wait. First get intouch with the recruiting officer O800 newcops (i think thats it) Then when you have had an interview and filled out all the forms you have a test then you have to do 40 hours out with the officers (not sure which way round that goes) then you are put on the waiting list to go to college for approx 5 mths. Lots and lots of running lol.
If you have any questions just ask :o) ------------- http://lilypie.com"> 
http://lilypie.com"> 
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Posted By: ohanlon82
Date Posted: 05 December 2008 at 3:37pm
yip i got told lots and lots of running and press ups... a friend i know is quite fit and failed the test right at the end  ------------- http://lb2f.lilypie.com/TikiPic.php/RPaODBg.jpg |
Posted By: mummy_becks
Date Posted: 05 December 2008 at 4:20pm
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I "think" Pearls and Paws have looked into joining the police. ------------- I was a puree feeder, forward facing, cot sleeping, pram pushing kind of Mum... and my kids survived! |
Posted By: AzzaNZ
Date Posted: 05 December 2008 at 4:28pm
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Training is in Porirua near Welly and its about 5 months full time.
You need to pass a few tests, mental and physical, have a swimming certificate and a first aid certificate and also do a defensive driving course before being accepted onto the training so its quite a long process. You do get a choice of where you are stationed but only of the places that have vacancies. DH has just started the process. |
Posted By: McPloppy
Date Posted: 05 December 2008 at 5:09pm
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Course is 19 wks in Porirua.
if you are serious about it now is probably best time to get involved as the former government has not fulfilled it's requirements and the current government has promised to boost numbers again. If you know someone who is an officer you could ask to do a ride along to see what it is like. You have no idea how satisfying it is to nab a boy racer  ------------- http://lilypie.com">
http://lilypie.com">
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Posted By: HippyMama
Date Posted: 05 December 2008 at 5:40pm
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Hi :) I was about 1/2 way through the recruitment process before I got pregnant - so I'll come back and give you some more information as soon as I get some time to sit down and type a decent reply.
It can be tough, but it's not impossible - you just have to be very dedicated to getting fit and passing the other tests. ------------- Mama to two earth walkers & two angels. Remember, you are not managing an inconvenience; You are raising a human being. ~ Kittie Franz Next Slingbabies! Meet - Friday 4th May !! |
Posted By: MissCandice
Date Posted: 05 December 2008 at 6:07pm
I wont be out just to 'nab' boy racers. I was once upon a time a 'car enthusiest' and i hate how cops targeted young people. Yup fair enough if they are idiots.. ------------- ~ Mummy to a beautiful girl ~ |
McPloppy wrote:Posted By: Paws
Date Posted: 05 December 2008 at 6:43pm
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Yup my application is on hold too since my breakdown sadly...not too sure when I will revisit it.
As Pearls said it is tough but not impossible. You will have to be dedicated to getting very fit...ie you need to be able to do 20 full press ups minimum and by 20 really you need to do 30-40 for all the ones they will discount. Running is 2.4km in around 11-12mins depending on your age. There are also general fitness tests to under go right near the end of the application...jumping fences, walking beams, dragging trailers and the such. You are generally recruited to the area you applied from but you can apply for other areas. Christchurch does have a waitlist...I thought I heard at one point it was a year. I don't know about police college being "not to hard" though...it is about 80% course work and it is blardy hard work...one friends husband commented that he doesn't understand how others have gone out partying and still studied! You will be torn be work and family...be prepared for that. Her husband wasn't and also found that tough...family took a back seat for the 5 months...be prepared for that too. I'm sure Pearls can fill in the other stuff I'm bound to have missed. 
I would highly recommend going to a seminar...call 0800 NEW COPS and if poss see if you can wrangle a ride along. See the real side of policing...nothing like facing your first dead body on ride along then facing a ton of paper work...going out, busting a boy racer, chasing a burgler and back for more endless paper work to see what it really is like. ------------- http://lilypie.com"> 
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Posted By: my4beauties
Date Posted: 05 December 2008 at 7:19pm
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I thought you were going to train to be a midwife, Kandice? ------------- My babies: R (9),G (7), J (5) http://lilypie.com" rel="nofollow"> 
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Posted By: MissCandice
Date Posted: 05 December 2008 at 7:25pm
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I was.. and i want too, i just think well with all the bad stuff going on in NZ i want to do something to make a difference.. ------------- ~ Mummy to a beautiful girl ~ |
Posted By: McPloppy
Date Posted: 05 December 2008 at 8:38pm
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I have nothing against car modification and car enthusiasm but i do object to people with pointlessly loud exhausts cruising up and down residantial streets. Ask anyone on Bealy ave or fitzgerald ave or around hagley park how much sleep they get on Friday or Sat night ------------- http://lilypie.com">
http://lilypie.com">
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Posted By: HippyMama
Date Posted: 05 December 2008 at 8:53pm
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I'm not sure how it would be for ChCh but I know in Auckland they prefer you attend a recruitment seminar first, and there they will give you an initial application form to fill out (the paperwork begins!) where you need to disclose quite a bit of information so they can assess your suitability.
This includes any health problems, so if you have a history of asthma for example you will have to gain medical clearance from your GP (usually just written) and then clearance from HQ in Wellington once they have received the paperwork. Same goes for any eye trouble etc. As others have mentioned you also need a defensive driving certificate, current first aid certificate, and a swimming certificate. The swimming certificate (which I had just got, but I will have to resit when I have another go as they expire after a while) entails being able to do the following: * Swimming 50m within 54 seconds (freestyle) * Treading water for 5 mins (within a 1m diameter max) * Duck diving 3m down to retrieve a heavy rubber brick and then swimming 10m on your back carrying the brick across your chest with 2 hands The first physical test (or series of tasks) you need to prepare for and then sit is the PAT or Physical Appraisal Test and requires you to do the following: * Running 2.4km in 12m 54s if you are under 20, or in 11m 50s if you are between 20-29 (for females) * A standing vertical jump of 40cm - it is tricky to explain but you stand side on to a wall and stretch your arm up to get your standing height, and then need to jump from where you are to hit 40cm above that first mark. * 20 or more 'correctly executed continuous press-ups' for women (there is a certain technique they are looking for) * A grip strength test - for women they are looking for a combined total (two hands together but tested seperately) 52kg Then there are the Academic and Problem Solving tests, which some info for can be found at "http://www.newcops.co.nz" - www.newcops.co.nz There are also some books you can buy to help you study for these specific types of tests, although you can often also get them out from your local library. There is also the PCT or the Physical Competency Test, which is a series of more focused physical tasks such as: * A 200m run * Pushing a trailer * Walking along a raised beam * Crawling under hurdles * Scaling a wall and a wire fence * Dragging a 74kg dummy * Climbing through a window There is a basic keyboard test but I reckon most people who have their own computer don't need to worry about that one too much! Once all the tests are done, the paperwork is processed, your referees are contacted and you've gone through your interviews - then you go through SCOPE which is where you spend 40hrs on shift with the Police at your local station. You are given homework to do and will need to take notes etc that are passed back to your recruiting officer as well once SCOPE is complete. THEN there is your final medical, and being placed in a 'wing' with a date for going down to Police College in Porirua for 19 weeks. You get most weekends off unless they need to run an assessment, and a weeks break in the middle of your training. I definitely wouldn't say college 'isn't too hard' either as you need to really focus on both the academic and physical training during the day, make sure you study enough to pass all your assessments (of which there are a few), rest and eat well, and be ready to graduate! I'm not really sure about waitlists, but the further south you go the longer they seem to get - as far as postings go that is. Whichever recruitment officer you get assigned will be able to give you a better idea about that kind of things. Definitely ring 0800 NEW COPS to begin with and check out the link to the website that I put up earlier in my post. There is also a new and slightly more 'fun' website you can go to now at "http://www.playscope.co.nz" - www.playscope.co.nz which has a few neat little games and challenges to go through. There is no doubt about it in my mind, it is an intense process - and it will take a lot out of you, especially if you have a young family. I have spent a short amount of time working for the Police in a different kind of role, and that in itself had unique stresses etc that you need to be prepared for. If you have any other questions or want any other info just give me a shout as I probably have it all lying around here somewhere! Sorry about the novel too   ------------- Mama to two earth walkers & two angels. Remember, you are not managing an inconvenience; You are raising a human being. ~ Kittie Franz Next Slingbabies! Meet - Friday 4th May !! |
Posted By: Rachael21
Date Posted: 05 December 2008 at 9:21pm
| Hey Kandice my friend is going through the process at the moment and she said all the tests and everything will take her about a year to sort out and thats if everything goes to plan and then she will still have to wait for a place to come up. She works full time but has no partner or kids. Just from what she has said I think its pretty hard out to get there but not impossible if you really want it. |
Posted By: Paws
Date Posted: 05 December 2008 at 9:31pm
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One thing I found essential and I think Pearls will agree with me...is having a very supportive partner or family behind you. As Pearls said it is very intensive and will take a lot out of you just getting to recruitment let alone college so the more support you have the better!!
One comment my friend's made was that he found the relationship with his children changed with him not being around much during college as college had to come before family. I also have to say, I'm not saying any of this to put you off but I think it is so important you really understand what you may need to be prepared for if you apply. However...also remember that if this is something you really want then you can do it. You wouldn't be the first mum to go to college leaving a young family behind temporarily and you won't be the last...it is very possible. It's just up to you how much you want it. Hope this all helps. ------------- http://lilypie.com">
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Posted By: MissCandice
Date Posted: 05 December 2008 at 9:37pm
I dont have a supportive partner at all. And i only have my mum thats it 
Thanks everyone for all your replies. Its amazing how knowledgable(sp) everyone is here! ------------- ~ Mummy to a beautiful girl ~ |
Posted By: McPloppy
Date Posted: 05 December 2008 at 9:44pm
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there was a woman who went to college at the same time as my DH who had two children and a highly unsupportive partner. She was not from the Wellington area and relied heavely on her mum and she did really well at college but did find it really hard being away from her kids.
Good luck with what you decide. Dh went away while ds was five months, saw him maybe four times in the five months he was away and their relationship is fine, he has a really supportive partner   ------------- http://lilypie.com">
http://lilypie.com">
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Posted By: MissCandice
Date Posted: 05 December 2008 at 9:54pm
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I would never stop someone doing what they really wanted to do, so long as they had thought it through and where determinded to stick to it.
Thanks guys, i just guess i dont know what i want to do, i just cant decide, and feel like if i dont choose a career path soon, il run out of time. ------------- ~ Mummy to a beautiful girl ~ |
Posted By: HippyMama
Date Posted: 05 December 2008 at 10:09pm
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Don't worry Kandice - trust me when I say you have plenty of time! You really really really can't rush this kind of decision.
And yep I agree 100% with Paws - family support is really crucial when training for recruitment and then throughout college. ------------- Mama to two earth walkers & two angels. Remember, you are not managing an inconvenience; You are raising a human being. ~ Kittie Franz Next Slingbabies! Meet - Friday 4th May !! |
Posted By: MissCandice
Date Posted: 05 December 2008 at 10:13pm
I wish someone could just get inside my head and tell me what i want to do haha! If only! I just have no idea at all. Thanks again for all the replies, you gals are fab! ------------- ~ Mummy to a beautiful girl ~ |
Posted By: minik8e
Date Posted: 05 December 2008 at 10:18pm
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My DF at 29 still doesn't really know what he wants to do...but he enjoys doing what he does now, so is happy I'm not far behind at 25, but still no real idea....lots of different possibilities go through my head and I just work through them slowly until I find something that really interests me. E.g. at the moment I work in insurance, I wouldn't say it's something I want to do forEVER.....but I'm happy in it for now.
Don't stress about it, and then overload yourself, Pearls is right, you have plenty of time!!! |
Posted By: Paws
Date Posted: 05 December 2008 at 10:30pm
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Kandice...you have lots of time to decide something like this...I know of one guy who went in last year who was in his 40's...take as much time as you need to get the info you need. Talk to as many people as you can.
Some people will have sailed through the recruitment...one girl I know went through the recruitment and got accepted without breaking a sweat (then turned it down as it happens!) for others it will require more effort. That's ok though. And it doesn't matter if you don't have a partner...so long as your mum or someone similar is 100% behind you that is important. And that person needs to fully understand what you are committing to. I believe it is fair to say, the police is a life not a job...so long as those who love you understand that...you have all the support you need. It is a hard decision, one my husband and I talked over for literally years before I tried for entry this year. As I say...no problems in taking your time. ------------- http://lilypie.com">
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Posted By: Paws
Date Posted: 05 December 2008 at 10:31pm
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Oh and hey, I'm in my early 30's and still trying to figure out what I really want to do if I don't ever end up applying for police college. These days there is no shame in training for something then re-training! ------------- http://lilypie.com">
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Posted By: McPloppy
Date Posted: 05 December 2008 at 10:40pm
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I know wwhat you mean...I am 32 and still don't know what I want to do when i grow up.
You could always take a non sworn position if you what to help but not sure about five months away. ------------- http://lilypie.com">
http://lilypie.com">
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Posted By: ooEvaoo
Date Posted: 06 December 2008 at 9:39am
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Yup same here. I'm 24....and only just decided what I want to do...I've gone through many phases since high school of wanting to be a physio, massage therapist, midwife, scientist, nurse.....now I've settled for Occupational therapy!....oh and I'll have the mega master student loan at the end of all this career confusion to prove it!!!..I think we all go through this kind of bewilderment at many stages of our lives! Trust me you are not the only one. ------------- 
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Posted By: MissCandice
Date Posted: 06 December 2008 at 9:59am
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But how did you decide what was right for you? ------------- ~ Mummy to a beautiful girl ~ |
Posted By: kebakat
Date Posted: 06 December 2008 at 11:04am
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I've been through it too. I even went through 2 years of Vet school and have a healthy sized loan already but now i"m moving into teaching.
I think one of the best ways to figure it out is to take your time with your decision and go spend some time with someone in the fields that you are looking in getting into. That way you can see what the job is actually like rather than just what you think it will be like cause usually it's quite different. |
Posted By: MissCandice
Date Posted: 06 December 2008 at 11:29am
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I dont know anyone in any profession lol. I dont really know anyone full stop!
Hmmmm. ------------- ~ Mummy to a beautiful girl ~ |
Posted By: kebakat
Date Posted: 06 December 2008 at 11:33am
| You don't have to know someone, just give a place a call and ask if there is any way you could come in and spend a day to observe. I had to do this as part of my requirement to enrol in teaching and get an interview for the degree. I didn't know the people I spent the day with but it was fine and I got to see what a day at work was like in the profession. Some places might not be comfy with it but I'm sure you can find some that are |
Posted By: solitairediamond
Date Posted: 06 December 2008 at 2:00pm
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Do speech and language therapy haha I'm biased
I used to want to be a vet or midwife and then when I decided they were not actually what I wanted to be I spent hours on the computer looking at all of the courses/degrees available and speech therapy just clicked... Sorry, not very helpful I know..  ------------- [IMG]http://lb2f.lilypie.com/9p2jp12.png [IMG] |
Posted By: Snappy
Date Posted: 06 December 2008 at 5:23pm
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You can always go and see a careers counsillor ) i went to one at our local polytech, and it didnt cost me anything. I was near the end of my visual arts degree and I realised I just wasnt interested anymore. I did a really long test to see what kind of things interested me and what id be good at. And then I went into a room with him and he went through all the results with me, and we had a really good chat about the sorts of jobs he thought suited me,. He also gave me all the info on how to get into the job etc, and what courses id need to do,
The things that came up were midwife, nurse, teacher, therapist (ie, caring for people) and a few others. I went to a primary school and taught art there one afternoon a week for a term just to see if i liked the idea of teaching... It wasnt really my thing. So its really good like the others have said, to actually go in and experience things if you can. ------------- Mummy to two beauties... Formerly Kaiz. |
Posted By: gannet
Date Posted: 07 December 2008 at 12:13pm
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I have been in the Police for almost 9 years and I love it most of the time. Everyone has spoken about what to expect when you are trying to get in but here is a bit about what happens once you are in..
I really enjoyed the 19 weeks at college, I was single when I went down. It was full on so it flew by and we had a week long break mid way through. You can also go home every now and again and if your family ever wanted to come and see you there are chalets that you can book across the road that are really reasonably priced (well they were when I was there). The best thing that I find about being in the police is that you make brilliant friendships and the camaraderie is unbeatable. The first year is really hard. You have to get used to shift work, the mountains of paperwork, going to Court, there are uni papers you have to do and maintain a family life, but all of a sudden it all clicks and you start really enjoying what you do. There is such a variety of things you can do during a shift as someone mentioned earlier. Some of it is pretty grim, but you have some real fun as well. There is nothing better than locking up some one you have just caught who has done a burglary, stolen a car or has been tagging. Getting used to shift work is hard, but you do get used to it and the holidays you get are awesome (my DH is a cop as well and he has well over 3 months leave and that is not uncommon). It is also nice having days off during the week and when you finish a night shift you get 6 days off where I work. Different stations/area work different rosters so this can change dependent on where you work. There is such a scope to different things within the job too, I have done loads of different things and have gotten so much out of each thing that I did. I did street policing (in various forms) for 6 years but have worked more enquiry type work and desk type jobs for the last almost 3 and I get just as much out of them than what I did on the street AND I don't have to do shift work! (I don't get the shift work allowance though :( ) They are really pro family life and have a really good flexible employment scheme, for when you come back from maternity leave. I have friends who work anything from an 8 hour day to 3 10 hour days per week and they basically let you work when you want. You also get a monetary incentive for coming back to work after being on maternity leave. They area also understanding about having to take time off if your children are sick. They have a brilliant super and health scheme - once you have been a member for 3 years they will partially fund IVF (up to about $5K I think) - I think it is the only health care that does that. When I joined it was something that interested me, but had never been a passion but now there is nothing else that I would rather do (than maybe win lotto and be a lady of leisure lol). I have gained so much confidence and assertiveness from being in the Police. I used to be quite a shy person and I am still am in some situations, but my friends all said it was amazing how I came out of my shell and that it was the best thing I ever did. You also get a pretty thick skin, there are lots of people who don't like the police and you learn to not take it personally, in fact for the majority of those people I would be upset if they did like me. Sorry about the novel. If you want to know anything else feel free to ask. |
Posted By: pikelets
Date Posted: 08 December 2008 at 10:01am
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DH is in the police and we find there are pros and cons. But the pros outway the cons for us.
Cons - you work shifts so miss out on things, overtime, court on your roster days off. The biggest thing DH hates is missing out on special occasions that fall on a weekend he works (which is about 3 in 5) and having to go to court on days off which you have planned something. Pros - lots as gannet mentioned above. Also time in lieu so accrue leave quick, really awesome at supporting family life for when DH needs time off, time off during the week. 6 days off after working 7 nights (can vary in different areas) Cheap holiday homes. Great super etc. I know a couple of single mums who do it. I personally dont know how they do it as shift work and the type of work is not my cup of tea (I'm a wuss lol) but DH said they cope well and have very supporting families or Mum to help out. I would suggest you go to one of their seminars (which you can take a support person with you) or if you are unsure as a mum if it is for you, maybe you could try to talk to one of the mums at the station. Im sure they would be more than happy to chat with you. All the best with your decision. ------------- http://lilypie.com"> 
 3 Angels - Dec10 / Mar11 / Dec11
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Posted By: xLUCKYx
Date Posted: 08 December 2008 at 12:48pm
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I have found this thread really helpful as my DP has applied to join the police. He is still in the initial application phase as he had an accident when he worked as a joiner and lost tip of his finger and needs to do a grip stretgh test first - which we already know he will pass. So trying to get everything organised and hoping for him to be off to college as early in the new year as is poss.
We know we will miss him like mad but there is no prefect time to be away from your family and he will be able to fly back up once a month or so. Glad to hear so many of you enjoy being in the force. We went to a PAT rehearsal day and even all the people we met there were friendly as - you get the 'family' feel straight away. |