Minority applicants encouraged to join police

Police are stepping up their recruitment campaign to encourage more individuals from minority groups to join the police. The search is now on for potential new recruits who are invited to attend an information seminar at 7pm on Tuesday 18 January at the Edward Street Community Centre in Nuneaton.

PC Seamus Faulkner, Outreach Recruitment Officer said

"The open evening is an opportunity to find out more about what it's really like to be a police officer and the support you will get during the recruitment process and beyond.

"We are trying to increase the number of individuals from minority groups that we employ because we believe we can serve the needs of the community better if the officers reflect the community they police. We are seeking to employ more women, more ethnic minority and black individuals, more gay, bisexual and lesbian individuals, as well as more individuals from minority religious groups.

"Each individual brings a different range of valuable skills to the role. This could be a language skill, or an in depth understanding of certain religious beliefs."

All our officers start on the same basic salary of £19,803 for the probationary period, rising to £22,107 after completion of 32 weeks initial training. Applicants don't need any formal educational qualifications, although they will have to pass a range of tests and selection procedures. Successful applicants will also qualify for an excellent pension.

There are many opportunities available within the police. After the two year probationary period, officers can specialise in areas such as CID, Traffic or as a Dog Handler. If being an officer isn't for you, there are other career paths to follow such as becoming a Community Support Officer. If you are ambitious, you can go on to take your sergeants exams.

If you are unable to attend on the evening but are interested in joining the police, please contact Seamus or any member of the Recruiting Team for an application form. You will also be informed of other forthcoming events. The forms will not be sent out until recruiting starts in January. You can also apply online at www.policecouldyou.co.uk

To find out more, please contact Seamus Faulkner on 01926 415118.

Information on forthcoming recruitment events can be found in the careers section of this website