I have recently written about the increase in police officer numbers following the governments pledge to recruit an additional 20,000 police officers and how this will benefit communities and reduce crime.
I also wrote about how the recruitment and training of police officers is changing significantly for the better, where people joining will be able to obtain a degree in policing.
Hampshire Constabulary are extremely positive about the future and whilst additional officer numbers are a huge benefit, it remains very important that the right people are recruited to maintain the high standards the force wants to maintain and residents expect.
However, it is of equal importance that officers reflect the diverse communities within Hampshire and the Isle of Wight and efforts are always made to recruit people from all cultures and background.
Therefore, Hampshire Constabulary strive to make connections with community leaders throughout the county to promote recruitment and ensure that the make-up of officers reflects the diverse communities served.
I am pleased to announce that on Saturday 8thFebrury 2020 between 11:00am and 1:00pm at the Princes Hall, Aldershot, there will be a recruitment event hosted by Hampshire Constabulary for all members of the community to come and find out what is involved in the recruitment process, training, qualification and various roles of a police officer.
Staff from the recruitment department will be available to discuss the various pathways you can take to join. There will also be serving police officers from the BME community (British, Minority and Ethnic), including Nepalese officers, who will be able to inform you about the training and job roles available.
Some of the officers attending have taken different routes to join, where some started as Police Community Support Officers, Police Support Investigators and one who joined directly into the role of Detective Constable.
These officers will give those interested in considering becoming a police officer an opportunity to discuss the best way of joining to meet personal aspirations, as well as first-hand knowledge about what is involved in the training and role.
Information about pay, pension and other benefits which staff enjoy can also be discussed.
Employment in the modern world has changed radically, where jobs in the private sector are less secure, or short-term, therefore being a police officer not only provides a rewarding career with many prospects, it is also secure and is still regarded as a `job for life` which is an important consideration for stability and security in the future.
The Constabulary is very focussed on retention of staff and providing them with opportunities to progress, however, it also recognises that some officers will seek various pathways in their future, which for some may involve leaving and choosing another career, or leaving and re-joining, whilst adding new skills in another alternative job for a while.
The skills that people learn as police officers are hugely transferable and I know of two officers that have left recently, one who is working as a government Home Office Investigator and another as a Health and Safety Investigator for a local authority.
For both these officers, the skills and knowledge they acquired within the police enabled them to successfully apply for these jobs and both have left with the intention of gaining additional skills and knowledge in their alternative jobs and will consider re-joining the police at either a higher rank, through the direct entry scheme, or as a Detective Constable.
The changing workplace affords people many more options now where flexibility is accepted, which is driven by people themselves, who are looking to build their Knowledge base through different avenues.
I would therefore encourage you to come along and meet serving officers and staff to discuss the opportunities available to you, with no obligation.
Hampshire Constabulary are an equal opportunity employer and through our Positive Action Coordinator, you can discuss any difficulties you may face, where reasonable adjustments are made to help recruits from a BME background overcome any hurdles to ensure they are treated fairly and are given the support needed to apply and train for a rewarding career.
Namaste.
PC 1860 Mark Ranola.
Yateley Police Station.
101 (mark.ranola@hampshire.pnn.police.uk)
