January 2020 Recruitment.

MrChew

Jack183726 wrote: »

Hi folks, currently doing vetting. What is a police caution, and how does this differ a FPN or informal warning. Thanks

A police caution is used in lieu of a court appearance when you've admitted guilt for an offence. It's essentially a formal warning that goes on your record and usually used for minor offences.

FPN, a fixed penalty notice, is where you've committed a motoring offence and attracted a fine or other penalty.

An informal warning is pretty much a telling off. It doesn't require an admission of guilt and doesn't formally contribute to your criminal record.

For the purposes of vetting, put any and all of the above down on your form.

Jack183726

Appreciate the response. This may sound a silly question but how do you know if you have received a caution, like does it have to be in writing or interviewed at a police station.

MrChew

Jack183726 wrote: »

Appreciate the response. This may sound a silly question but how do you know if you have received a caution, like does it have to be in writing or interviewed at a police station.

You'll know if you've received a caution. It's not something that there would be any ambiguity around. It is delivered in person and beforehand the exact terms and implications are explained to you. You'll also get confirmation in writing. Feel free to PM me if there's something specific you want to ask but aren't comfortable posting here.

Belfast86

How’s the application coming along @MrChew ?

I was unfortunate again this time round so I’m done with trying.

I finished my prison Training and I’m now live. As you know the Prison service was my first choice but it’s still a kick in the swingers the amount I invested for the police to get knocked back at the AC when I felt I did above average.

MrChew

Belfast86 wrote: »

How’s the application coming along @MrChew ?

I was unfortunate again this time round so I’m done with trying.

I finished my prison Training and I’m now live. As you know the Prison service was my first choice but it’s still a kick in the swingers the amount I invested for the police to get knocked back at the AC when I felt I did above average.

I'm sorry to hear that chum. That is a kick in the teeth indeed. Glad you got what you wanted in the end though.

I'm appointable, just waiting on the call now, though God knows when that will be!

Belfast86

MrChew wrote: »

I'm sorry to hear that chum. That is a kick in the teeth indeed. Glad you got what you wanted in the end though.

I'm appointable, just waiting on the call now, though God knows when that will be!

Ahhh great news pal. Glad to hear you are now waiting the call.

Majorian

Is anyone here from outside of NI? I've passed the assesment center and now I'm waiting on the next stages, planning on moving to NI when things take off properly and I'm looking at a start date in a realistic timeframe. I'm a wee bit worried about getting my medical and physical done though because obviously those can't be done remotely or over in England. Is anyone else in a similar position or know if there will be much flexibility when it comes to getting dates for those seeing as I'll have to fly up?

AlphaBravoOut

Hi folks,
First time posting here as I’ve just come across the forum. Wish I had known about it before the AC for all the solid advice/tips. You seem like a really good bunch. Had no idea that this, or any coaching etc even existed so always felt kinda on my own through the whole process this far. I’m a fair bit older than most of you I’d say, so I was only prepared to take one shot at hopefully joining.
Reading over some of the past posts on here I’m in FT 2, have online learning and vetting passed. Got to do my pca familiarisation just before the current lockdown, then the test itself was cancelled, so still waiting on it being rescheduled, plus medical. The setup was great, felt very safe with all the necessary measures in place.
Sorry to hear some of you didn’t pass the AC, wish you the best moving forward and if I can be of any help to anyone else through the later stages, give me a shout.

MrChew

AlphaBravoOut wrote: »

Hi folks,
First time posting here as I’ve just come across the forum. Wish I had known about it before the AC for all the solid advice/tips. You seem like a really good bunch. Had no idea that this, or any coaching etc even existed so always felt kinda on my own through the whole process this far. I’m a fair bit older than most of you I’d say, so I was only prepared to take one shot at hopefully joining.
Reading over some of the past posts on here I’m in FT 2, have online learning and vetting passed. Got to do my pca familiarisation just before the current lockdown, then the test itself was cancelled, so still waiting on it being rescheduled, plus medical. The setup was great, felt very safe with all the necessary measures in place.
Sorry to hear some of you didn’t pass the AC, wish you the best moving forward and if I can be of any help to anyone else through the later stages, give me a shout.

Welcome, from one older applicant to another!

mariyapsni

AlphaBravoOut wrote: »

Hi folks,
First time posting here as I’ve just come across the forum. Wish I had known about it before the AC for all the solid advice/tips. You seem like a really good bunch. Had no idea that this, or any coaching etc even existed so always felt kinda on my own through the whole process this far. I’m a fair bit older than most of you I’d say, so I was only prepared to take one shot at hopefully joining.
Reading over some of the past posts on here I’m in FT 2, have online learning and vetting passed. Got to do my pca familiarisation just before the current lockdown, then the test itself was cancelled, so still waiting on it being rescheduled, plus medical. The setup was great, felt very safe with all the necessary measures in place.
Sorry to hear some of you didn’t pass the AC, wish you the best moving forward and if I can be of any help to anyone else through the later stages, give me a shout.

Welcome AlphaBravoOut from me as well - another age-matured candidate

Columbo1234

Welcome all new posters.

AlphaBravoOut - I am at the same stage as you mate. Mature applicant, FT2 and vetting cleared. I also did familiarisation before PCA cancellation. Someone posted the other day that they got a new date for their medical that had been cancelled in January. Here’s hoping there will be rescheduled dates for PCA issued for us soon.

Columbo1234

Majorian wrote: »

Is anyone here from outside of NI? I've passed the assesment center and now I'm waiting on the next stages, planning on moving to NI when things take off properly and I'm looking at a start date in a realistic timeframe. I'm a wee bit worried about getting my medical and physical done though because obviously those can't be done remotely or over in England. Is anyone else in a similar position or know if there will be much flexibility when it comes to getting dates for those seeing as I'll have to fly up?

Hard to judge time lines at the moment. Once the merit list is finalised and issued this might be slightly clearer although vetting, COVID situation and intakes at Garnerville are all variables on the length of the process ahead. I would imagine PSNI will be fairly flexible in terms of dates for managed stages you need to attend taking into account your personal circumstances so don’t stress. I would email psni recruitment to get more info regarding and to make them aware of any concerns. Sorry i can’t be more helpful and best of luck for next stages.

AlphaBravoOut

Columbo1234 wrote: »

Welcome all new posters.

AlphaBravoOut - I am at the same stage as you mate. Mature applicant, FT2 and vetting cleared. I also did familiarisation before PCA cancellation. Someone posted the other day that they got a new date for their medical that had been cancelled in January. Here’s hoping there will be rescheduled dates for PCA issued for us soon.

Good to hear buddy..really glad I’ve found this forum, better late than never. Hope we hear news soon about our rescheduled pca, I’m definitely ready for it now at this stage lol. Will let you know if I hear any word.

ASM1234

Hi reading this group for a while and glad to say I passed the AC,Regarding vetting I'm abit nervous, stupidly 3 years ago I got a community resolution notice (I'm going to declare it) just wondering if anyone on here has been in the same situation and could put my mind to rest. Thanks

Newbieee

ASM1234 wrote: »

Hi reading this group for a while and glad to say I passed the AC,Regarding vetting I'm abit nervous, stupidly 3 years ago I got a community resolution notice (I'm going to declare it) just wondering if anyone on here has been in the same situation and could put my mind to rest. Thanks

I’m not sure if a CRN would affect it but it might, depends what it’s for... as you say 100% declare it though

Helmsman22

Jack183726 wrote: »

Hi folks, currently doing vetting. What is a police caution, and how does this differ a FPN or informal warning. Thanks

Did you get your results last week? Did you get an email or anything telling you you've been progressed to the next stage?

ASM1234

Newbieee wrote: »

I’m not sure if a CRN would affect it but it might, depends what it’s for... as you say 100% declare it though

Thanks for the reply! Hopefully it doesn't it was my first and last warning with the police, my job now needed an advanced check and it didn't come up. But ill declare it and hope for the best.

Jack183726

No mate sorry for the confusion, just checking in advance.

Newbieee

ASM1234 wrote: »

Thanks for the reply! Hopefully it doesn't it was my first and last warning with the police, my job now needed an advanced check and it didn't come up. But ill declare it and hope for the best.

If that’s the case then you’re grand bud, All the very best with the remaining stages ðŸ‘ðŸ¼

MoaningMertyl

Failed my AC despite going and getting coaching and feeling I had done really well.

Is there an appeals process against how you were marked?

Or is this the end?

Majorian

MoaningMertyl wrote: »

Failed my AC despite going and getting coaching and feeling I had done really well.

Is there an appeals process against how you were marked?

Or is this the end?

Unfortunately I believe there is no appeals process. I would wait until we get our breakdown in the scores to see why you didn't get the grade you expected, we should get some more in depth feedback then. Coaching only helps some people, for others it's actually sometimes a hindrance because experienced assessors will see through an over prepared candidate who's going off a script rather than being themselves.

It's definitely not the end for you if you're determined, as some other guys in this thread were saying there will likely be another campaign in 2021, you can go into it with the full knowledge on where you can do things differently next time. There are people in this campaign who weren't successful in the previous one and they're now being fast tracked. Don't give up and take this as a learning experience.

Belfast86

MoaningMertyl wrote: »

Failed my AC despite going and getting coaching and feeling I had done really well.

Is there an appeals process against how you were marked?

Or is this the end?

Hi pal. Tbh I felt the same. I went for coaching and felt I did enough to at least hit the pass mark. I mean the pass I think is low 60’s!

I’ll find out where I went wrong when they release the results. Not that I care now as I found a job that I wanted more than the police - but after 7 attempts at the police I’m done trying..

MoaningMertyl

Belfast86 wrote: »

Hi pal. Tbh I felt the same. I went for coaching and felt I did enough to at least hit the pass mark. I mean the pass I think is low 60’s!

I’ll find out where I went wrong when they release the results. Not that I care now as I found a job that I wanted more than the police - but after 7 attempts at the police I’m done trying..

Which was the job you want more

Belfast86

MoaningMertyl wrote: »

Which was the job you want more

I got into the prison service. It was always what I wanted over the police. I passed training last week and started on the landings. I was going to cancel my police application

It still doesn’t take away how annoyed I am I didn’t do better at the AC but a lot less pressure worrying about it as I’m now happy where I am.

Good luck for any future attempts at the police pal.

felix1305

So what does the performance email actually consist of?

A breakdown of the competencies you missed of each scenario, and the ones you used and how effectively?

walkman2302

I believe each section is broken down with the total amount of points available, the amounts of points you scored at that section and what grade that would equate too. I don't believe it breaks down what you were good or bad at.

Peeler97

To all those who failed this time round, don’t give up! I remember failing my first AC. I persevered though, passed 2nd time and have now been in the job for a year. If anything, use it as experience and when you go again you’ll know exactly what to expect. I know it’s tough, especially after waiting so long but it will all be worthwhile when you get in.

Irishman84!

Hi Peeler97, can I ask a question if you dont mind? I have read some horror stories about rest days being cancelled a lot etc. Is this something that happens often at short notice? just asking as I have a family and would be hoping for some kind of work/life balance although I do realise it isnt going to be the same as with a normal day job. also, how many rest days would you typically get in a row if you dont mind me asking?

HopefulCan2002

Hi was just wondering is it possible to pass your AC and not make the merit list? Or does anyone know how many make it on the merit list?

MrChew

HopefulCan2002 wrote: »

Hi was just wondering is it possible to pass your AC and not make the merit list? Or does anyone know how many make it on the merit list?

The previous 2 campaigns had about 1050 on the ML. That doesn't mean it will be the same this time of course.

I've never heard of anyone passing the AC but not making it on to the ML.

mariyapsni

HopefulCan2002 wrote: »

Hi was just wondering is it possible to pass your AC and not make the merit list? Or does anyone know how many make it on the merit list?

I think what you are alluding to (and correct me if i am wrong) have all who made it to the ML got calls for appointment? I am also wondering about that myself just to sort of know if say, i have just scraped off the passmark, would i sill get the call at some point? Or, what would be a reasonable mark to believe that one would most likely get an appointment call? I think, after some researching, in past years pass marks have been 45-50% to get on the ML, but people would get THE call if they are above 60 really? Any thoughts on that would be appreciated. xx

MrChew

mariyapsni wrote: »

I think what you are alluding to (and correct me if i am wrong) have all who made it to the ML got calls for appointment? I am also wondering about that myself just to sort of know if say, i have just scraped off the passmark, would i sill get the call at some point? Or, what would be a reasonable mark to believe that one would most likely get an appointment call? I think, after some researching, in past years pass marks have been 45-50% to get on the ML, but people would get THE call if they are above 60 really? Any thoughts on that would be appreciated. xx

It seems to be that in years past, they had a certain number of officers they wanted from each campaign and that if you were far down the list, you wouldn't get the call.

That doesn't appear to be how they've done it for the past two campaigns though. Instead, if you made it to the ML and then passed all the PSNI stages, you would definitely get the call eventually. Like, for the 2018 campaign, the most recent set of calls were for those who just hit the pass mark at AC.

Newbieee

I know it’s hard to put a time scale on it and obviously this recruitment is different but in 2018 campaign ML 300-400 started GV approx 8 months after getting Merit position. 500-700 started a year after ML position.
Some 900 plus still waiting to get into GV

Again it all really depends on how long your vetting takes. Some can be as short as 3 months, some can be 6 months +

HopefulCan2002

So are you saying your merit list position could change with how quickly your vetting comes back?

Newbieee

HopefulCan2002 wrote: »

So are you saying your merit list position could change with how quickly your vetting comes back?

No, vetting takes as long as it takes. Doesn’t matter on ML.

For example though, you could be ML 180 and someone in your class in GV might be ML 320 but that’s because your vetting took longer and there’s shorter if you get me

Although FT may get a faster vetting, I might be wrong though.

Gda88

Apart from the 2 fast track groups has anyone recently received vetting forms?

AlphaBravoOut

mariyapsni wrote: »

I think what you are alluding to (and correct me if i am wrong) have all who made it to the ML got calls for appointment? I am also wondering about that myself just to sort of know if say, i have just scraped off the passmark, would i sill get the call at some point? Or, what would be a reasonable mark to believe that one would most likely get an appointment call? I think, after some researching, in past years pass marks have been 45-50% to get on the ML, but people would get THE call if they are above 60 really? Any thoughts on that would be appreciated. xx

Looking over the stats on the psni website, (last 2 campaigns) roughly 40% of applicants who were successful at AC and made it onto the merit list, failed at some point along the psni managed stages. This might explain why someone with an ML of 700+ makes it to GV as they successfully pass all managed stages, (Vetting etc) whereas someone with an ML of 50-100 could still fail their online learning, pca, vetting or medical and not proceed any further. Nothing is guaranteed I guess until you’re appointable and get the call. Not sure if that helps anyone, but it’s my take on it anyway..could be wrong

JC12250

Anyone else just want to get kicking on with the PSNI stages now?lol. Since getting the result of the AC it’s all I can think about

Majorian

JC12250 wrote: »

Anyone else just want to get kicking on with the PSNI stages now?lol. Since getting the result of the AC it’s all I can think about

Yeah of course, I don't really see how keeping everyone waiting because of a very small number of people makes any sense and how it's "preserving the integrity" of assesments when we've already had people fast tracked. The should get the vetting underway asap, otherwise we'll be waiting for months to receive vetting forms just to wait for more months while our vetting is clearing when it could at least be getting processed while we wait for the merit list. It would make everyone's life easier, but I suppose that would make too much sense.

walkman2302

Majorian wrote: »

Yeah of course, I don't really see how keeping everyone waiting because of a very small number of people makes any sense and how it's "preserving the integrity" of assesments when we've already had people fast tracked. The should get the vetting underway asap, otherwise we'll be waiting for months to receive vetting forms just to wait for more months while our vetting is clearing when it could at least be getting processed while we wait for the merit list. It would make everyone's life easier, but I suppose that would make too much sense.

Fair point, I’m sure there have been people who have scored high enough to be fast tracked but were unfortunate enough to have had to wait until after the groups were already selected.

Ggeiml1

Hey all first time poster.

Congrats to those who have recently found out they passed the AC and commiserations to those who failed.

Keep your heads up and try again. The first time I went and done the AC I completely messed it up and failed. Although I was gutted the experience meant I knew what I was going into this time around and was much more prepared and I managed to make it into Ft1 group.

Just my medical to go for me now. It got cancelled the day before I was due to go, it's been rescheduled for a few weeks time. Vetting took around 7-8 weeks for me and pca didn't cause any issues. Main bit of advice for pca would be to take your time around the tricky bits making sure you don't lose time for brushing off something and then going full whack on the sprints and the easier stuff.
As for vetting, like everyone else advises... Transparency is key.
Cheers.

Newyearnewjob

Hi all, another first time poster. Does anyone know how vetting works. I have just been vetted for another job up to SC level. I am also already CTC &RV for my current job. Do they just use these or is it all started again from scratch. Thanks

mariyapsni

Newyearnewjob wrote: »

Hi all, another first time poster. Does anyone know how vetting works. I have just been vetted for another job up to SC level. I am also already CTC &RV for my current job. Do they just use these or is it all started again from scratch. Thanks

Hi Newyearnewjob! I am wondering the same, as i am CTC and DBS vetted on a continuous basis for the past 6 years and i was hoping that this might ease off my vetting for the current psni role. Just wonder whether that matters or not? :rolleyes: Thanks in advice for the advice x

AWD188

Hi folks, was fortunate enough to pass my AC, weight off the shoulders. I’m sorry to hear about those who didn’t pass. Please keep the heads up and stay strong.

Whilst I know the PCA’s won’t be anytime soon for those who’ve recently passed and haven’t got our Merit list yet. Does anyone have any advice? Such as training etc thats best to do? I’m reasonably fit (before this circuit breaker lol) but i want to make sure I’m in the best shape possible for this!

Also, when I was in my early teens I briefly had an encounter with the police. I don’t think anything was issued formally to me, however I’m worried from a vetting stand point to put anything down?

Appreciate any help!

Helmsman22

mariyapsni wrote: »

Hi Newyearnewjob! I am wondering the same, as i am CTC and DBS vetted on a continuous basis for the past 6 years and i was hoping that this might ease off my vetting for the current psni role. Just wonder whether that matters or not? :rolleyes: Thanks in advice for the advice x

As someone who's had SC clearance for my previous job and gone through vetting with another force; it won't ease anything off. It can still take months (or weeks) depending on completely arbitrary factors.

Newbieee

Vetting starts from scratch

Average is between 12-22 weeks

MrChew

AWD188 wrote: »

Hi folks, was fortunate enough to pass my AC, weight off the shoulders. I’m sorry to hear about those who didn’t pass. Please keep the heads up and stay strong.

Whilst I know the PCA’s won’t be anytime soon for those who’ve recently passed and haven’t got our Merit list yet. Does anyone have any advice? Such as training etc thats best to do? I’m reasonably fit (before this circuit breaker lol) but i want to make sure I’m in the best shape possible for this!

Also, when I was in my early teens I briefly had an encounter with the police. I don’t think anything was issued formally to me, however I’m worried from a vetting stand point to put anything down?

Appreciate any help!

Broadly, cardio is more important than strength. You need to go really hard for a short amount of time using a lot of different muscle groups so HIIT, circuits, etc are your friend. You will be out of breath quickly doing the course so anything that helps you build up anaerobic stamina is good. Prior to my PCA I was doing a couple of sessions of HIIT and a couple of 5k runs a week, with occasional weights here and there.

Bear in mind, its the PSNI not the SAS, so you don't need to be a machine or anything, just be prepared to give it dixie.

As for your encounter with the police, I'd put it down in the interests of full disclosure but it doesn't sound like it will cause you any problems.

Ggeiml1

AWD188 wrote: »

Hi folks, was fortunate enough to pass my AC, weight off the shoulders. I’m sorry to hear about those who didn’t pass. Please keep the heads up and stay strong.

Whilst I know the PCA’s won’t be anytime soon for those who’ve recently passed and haven’t got our Merit list yet. Does anyone have any advice? Such as training etc thats best to do? I’m reasonably fit (before this circuit breaker lol) but i want to make sure I’m in the best shape possible for this!

Also, when I was in my early teens I briefly had an encounter with the police. I don’t think anything was issued formally to me, however I’m worried from a vetting stand point to put anything down?

Appreciate any help!

Stamina over strength. You get 4 and a half minutes to complete the course compared to 4 minutes in previous years. However if you are over the 4 minutes you will need to complete the course again in under 4 minutes to complete officer training.
One thing that can add time is by making mistakes. Eg if you are ducking and your shoulders/back touches a pole, or if you touch any part of the course which the assessors explained are to be avoided (easily done) you have to go back and re-do that bit. Which is why you're better to attend the familiarisation day to see where you might trip up and plan how you will tackle each part.

It may be that for one certain obstacle you might have to slow down a bit to do it properly as rushing it could just cause a fault leading to more time added and more energy wasted.

AlphaBravoOut

Ggeiml1 wrote: »

Stamina over strength. You get 4 and a half minutes to complete the course compared to 4 minutes in previous years. However if you are over the 4 minutes you will need to complete the course again in under 4 minutes to complete officer training.
One thing that can add time is by making mistakes. Eg if you are ducking and your shoulders/back touches a pole, or if you touch any part of the course which the assessors explained are to be avoided (easily done) you have to go back and re-do that bit. Which is why you're better to attend the familiarisation day to see where you might trip up and plan how you will tackle each part.

It may be that for one certain obstacle you might have to slow down a bit to do it properly as rushing it could just cause a fault leading to more time added and more energy wasted.

Thanks for the advice, I definitely agree with you and MrChew that’s it’s more stamina over strength after doing my familiarisation. Will try not to knock anything over either as I could very easily do that lol..Hopefully be doing my rescheduled test in near future as some were saying medicals are now going ahead again. Sooner the gyms open too the better..

The Rookie

Congrats to all you who passed for those who didnt keep trying!