Recruiting police officers

Recruiting police officers

Frequently asked questions on the PLC course and Surrey Police recruitment

What does the PLC course involve?

There are inputs from tutors, which are then supplemented via the completion of several workbooks requiring individual research and supported self-study. Internet research is required so computer access is needed. In addition to attending tutor sessions, you should commit to around 200 hours of self-study.

Is there an exam?

Learning, development and progression is monitored through assessed workbooks and an exam requiring short answers to a number of questions.

How do I apply to study?

Application is via the university or colleges. To undertake the course at Portsmouth University you must already be doing, or must apply to do, an undergraduate Institute of Criminal Justice Studies degree at the university. When you are studying at the university, you can select to study the PLC course as elective units. Alternatively you can apply to Guildford or Brooklands Colleges to undertake the course. See the Colleges’ prospectuses or handbooks for entry requirements.

• Guildford College – 01483 884040, email mwinfo@guildford.ac.uk or visit www.guildford.ac.uk
• Brooklands College - 01932 797797 or visit www.brooklands.ac.uk
• Portsmouth University – 02392843933 or visit www.port.ac.uk

How do I get chosen to go on the course?

The Police Force has no input in deciding who can attend the course. The course will be open to anyone who satisfies Portsmouth University, Guildford or Brooklands College entry requirements. Please note that while the colleges may detail desirable academic qualifications, if you do not have these or have been out of education for some time, they will consider other qualifications and life and work experience.

Can I get a grant to study?

There are a variety of grants and loans available to support people through their studies. These grants and loans are dependent on individual circumstances. Further information can be obtained from the university and colleges.

Why should I pay to get trained when other forces do it for free?

Surrey is a top performing Force and its success is recognised nationally. On top of this it is a highly innovative organisation, at the forefront of many development programmes designed to improve and modernise policing. Also, being a comparatively small Force, staff are known by name and are actively encouraged to progress within their careers.

I’m already employed by Surrey Police as a member of police staff. Will I have to pay the full course costs if I want to become a police officer?

You will need to pay the course fees initially. However, if you have two years or more permanent service with Surrey Police when you enrol on the course and successfully complete the course and are recruited as a constable, the fees will be repaid to you in your first month’s pay in this role. It is the responsibility of the member of staff to seek reimbursement of the fees and information on how to do so. This will be available at the Force’s pre-employment course.

This payment is conditional on you initially emailing resourcing@surrey.pnn.police.uk advising of your date of enrolment.

Will the course fees be refunded if I am successfully recruited?

Only if you are a current member of Surrey Police staff that fits the criteria outlined in the answer directly above.

When should I apply for and study the PLC Course?

This will depend on a range of factors, for example when courses are being offered by the university and colleges and how this commitment fits into your work and personal lifestyle. Once you have gained the PLC Certificate you must apply to join the Force within three years.

How often are the PLC courses run at Guildford and Brooklands Colleges?

Guildford and Brooklands Colleges provide a range of courses run on different days and times. Contact the colleges for further information on this.

Will this change to police training lower the standard of the service provided by the Force?

Not at all, to complete the course, applicants will need commitment, self-reliance and determination – all positive traits that we want to encourage in the Force. The PLC course content is compliant with national constable learning requirements and allows a greater understanding of the social context in which a modern police force interacts with the community it seeks to serve. It will also be supplemented by a number of weeks of in-Force training, if you are successful in being recruited to Surrey Police, which will concentrate on applying the prior knowledge gained to operational policing.

Will other Forces recognise the PLC Certificate?

At the moment the certificate is only recognised by Surrey Police however, a significant number of other police forces in England and Wales are looking closely at the scheme.

If I go to college and join Surrey, can I transfer to another Force at a later stage if I need to?

Once you have completed your two year probationary period there is no reason why you cannot apply to transfer.