Port of Tilbury-Police Constable

[diddly 80]

I have a combined total of ~18 years service, having had a gap of 4 years. Since returning to the Job 20mths ago I have studied and passed the Sgts exam & I'm now working my way through Work-Based-Assessment (formerly TOWBAR),

 

Thinking of the 14 years I have left (now have to work to 55) should I continue studying and take the Inspectors exam next Sept (2009) or should I spend a few years learning about being a Sgt, bearing in mind it will probably take 2-3 years to be made up should I succeed first time?

 

Opinions?

[Penbwlch 810]

I would say go straight for the Inspector's exam while the culture of studying is still with you.

I know things have changed since my days but maybe you can delay promotion for a couple of years once you have passed the exam. That is what I did. Having passed the PS exam, I found it easy to keep going and the Insp exam was a doddle. As I then had to wait for a selection board, I then had a 9 year wait for promotion. That wait did me the world of good.

Do you have a governor you can trust that you can discuss this with?

[diddly 80]

Several of the Guv'nors I've recently worked with were either in my original intake (!), or I had known as PCs. All seem to have done similar: 15-20 years as a PC, quickly through Sgt to Insp, in one case in <2 years.

 

I'm currently trying to decide whether to carry on as you say, or diversify sideways for a while to offer a wider breadth of experience to a Insp's board

[Penbwlch 810]

It is a difficult balance to get right. Only you and those around you can make that judgement but even that is based on principles that appertain today. In a couple of years time things will have changed so you don't really want to lock into a plan too tightly.

I can only suggest going straight for the exam and get that out of the way. Then look for the experience. Don't worry about what a board will be looking for. A board is made up of humans and every board will have its own likes and dislikes. The experience you should be looking for is that which will make you a better Inspector. If you do that, most boards should recognise that and you will be successful. Don't just try ticking the right boxes. That is shallow thinking and will be exposed; if not by a board, then by a real life situation which will bite your backside hard.

[diddly 80]

Having decided to carry on studying, hence I will take the PS-Insp exam next Sept('09), a couple of questions:

 

1. How much more in depth,if at all, is the Guv'nors exam?

2. How long should I study for?

I appreciate this is an individual decision, however I see 2009 Blackstones are already available. I intend to try getting a 3 month stint in custody to assist evidence and procedure dependent on a NSPIS/custody course

 

 

[Penbwlch 810]

It used to be a lot more in depth but that was over 30 years ago. You would be best asking someone with more recent knowledge about that question.

How long should you study? That rather depends on how quickly you absorb information. However, don't take risks and put it off. I would start tomorrow.

[Foothills 0]

I am studying now for the exam this September. The study material is actually less than the Sgt's exam as a great deal of traffic is removed. I am not sure when you did your Sgt's exam but there are a number of commercial firms offering crammer books, CD's and courses to assist and I have found these a great help- just how much of a help I guess I will know by Sept 9th! In terms of time, this is a personal thing and depends on your job, family and how fast your absorb the information.

The most important advice I would give is to only do it when it is something that you really want. That way you will be committed and put in the time. I have written off this summer to study on the basis that I want to pass and not write off next summer too. Good luck in whatever you decide.