What we are looking for

We are seeking applications from individuals who are able to display the right values in accordance with the Code Of Ethics and our organisational values; courage, compassion and inspiration.

Constables play a critical front-line role in the prevention and detection of crime and the criminal justice system. They work in partnership on a day-to-day basis with local communities, stakeholders and colleagues in order to promote law and order, reduce the fear of crime, provide reassurance and build confidence to improve the quality of life for citizens

This role carries legal powers to enable the maintenance of law and order and bears responsibility for making autonomous decisions in accordance with the National Decision Model and Code of Ethics, exercising professional discretion, as appropriate to the role, in line with legal frameworks and policy guidelines.

Constables are required to meet and maintain the highest professional standards required of their role, by conducting all actions in a legal, balanced, proportionate and justifiable manner to uphold the law and achieve the best outcomes in a wide range of situations/incidents. In the role you will:

• provide appropriate initial and ongoing frontline response to a wide range of incidents that may include complex and confrontational situations, assessing immediate risk, threat and harm to determine a proportionate response in line with the law, policy and guidance.
• take a leading role in establishing effective localised partnerships to problem solve, engage with, reassure and support organisations, groups and individuals across communities in line with the Force’s planned approach.
• effectively engage with victims, witnesses, suspects and the vulnerable, in accordance with equality, diversity and human rights considerations, to provide initial support, direct towards relevant services, establish relationships and gather information that prevents and reduces crimes.
• maintain awareness of potential and actual risks to individuals, taking appropriate action to protect and support those in need of public protection to pre-empt or effectively address safety / vulnerability issues.
• conduct effective and efficient priority and high-volume investigations as requested in line with standards of investigation to inform the development of high quality case files and initiation of criminal justice proceedings.
• gather and handle information, intelligence, and evidence, from a variety of sources, in line with legislation, policies and guidance, taking the appropriate action to support investigations, law enforcement and criminal justice proceedings.
• interview victims, witnesses and suspects in relation to appropriate crimes and investigations, to gather information that has the potential to support law enforcement objectives.
• conduct first line analysis of information, intelligence and evidence to determine significance, generate lines of enquiry, inform decision making and support evidence based policing.
• justify and professionally account for actions to ensure adherence to legal frameworks and key working principles, policies and guidance.
• identify opportunities for and support the exploration of new ways of working and innovation in policing, applying critical thinking and problem solving methodologies to identify solutions to problems in line with evidence based practice within area of work.
• support the implementation of problem solving and evidence based policing initiatives by championing and applying relevant methodologies and approaches to area of work.

See our Who can join page for a full list of the qualifications required for each entry route.

The skills required to perform the role of a police constable are supported and assessed through The Competency and Values Framework. This sets out nationally recognised behaviours and values, which will provide a consistent foundation for a range of local and national processes. The framework ensures there are clear expectations of everyone working in policing.

Values

The four key values that we are looking for in a police officer are:

• integrity
• impartiality
• public service
• transparency

Competencies

Throughout our recruitment process we’ll take you through a number of competency and value based assessments, which are designed to measure your natural engagement and motivation, which are just as important as capability when it comes to creating the best fit between you and the role you have applied for. The assessment is designed to understand what energises and motivates you, as well as what you do well.

Throughout the recruitment process, we’ll be looking for candidates to demonstrate competencies in the following categories:

• emotional awareness
• taking ownership
• collaborative
• deliver, support and inspire
• analyse critically
• innovative and open-minded

Candidates should be able to demonstrate our values which are our shared beliefs. They unite us, giving us purpose and direction. They shape all of our interactions. 

Our behaviours are examples of how we apply our values in our everyday work.

Service

• I act in the best interests of the people I serve.
• I explain processes and decisions.
• I put others before myself.

Integrity

• I am authentic, genuine and consistent.
• I tell the truth and I am trustworthy.
• I show courage in doing what I believe to be right.

Compassion

• I listen and keep an open mind and don't prejudge people or situations.
• I am polite and respectful.
• I am caring and show empathy.

Professionalism

• I actively seek feedback and take responsibility when I am wrong.
• I always look for ways to improve my work.
• I am open and transparent in my work.

Equality, diversity and human rights

• I treat people fairly and impartially.
• I respect the rights of all individuals.
• I make people feel as though they belong.