Preparation Tips
Our mental and physical tests are tough, so it's worth taking some time to prepare. Before attending the assessment centre, think about and write down examples of when you have used the competencies listed below, practice doing simple mental arithmetic or number puzzles, and try a few crosswords or word games.
If you don't already exercise regularly, then start now. Try things like squash, aerobics, weight training or swimming, and if possible try to exercise with friends. It will make your programme more enjoyable and safer. It is advisable to gain medical approval before you commence any exercise programme. The benefits from exercise should far outweigh the risks but if you have any concerns about your health before or during your programme then consult with your GP. A guide to the Job Related Fitness test (
182kb) can be downloaded.
Day Two of the Assessment Centre comprises of a number of exercises, which simulate real life situations and problems.
You will usually be assessed as a member of a syndicate of up to eight candidates.
The day will start with a briefing, which will tell you the timetable for the day, and a check of your personal identification.
Four Interactive Exercises
Two Written Exercises
Competency Based Structured Interview
Plus: Two Elements of the Police Initial Recruitment Test (Verbal and Numerical reasoning).
Community and Customer Focus
Resilience
Respect for Diversity
Effective Communication
Personal Responsibility
Team Working
Problem Solving
Practice your written skills and work on your spelling.
Think about how you communicate at all levels, i.e. in a group and as an individual.
Think about how you would deal with different situations.
Think about and write down examples of when you have used the competences, listed above, in preparation for the interview.
Police Initial Recruitment Test
Numerical Reasoning
You will be presented with a number of problems based on basic maths, addition, subtraction, multiplication and division. They will also involve simple fractions, decimals, averages and percentages. You will not be allowed to use a calculator.
Example Questions:
1. A purse was found with one £5 note, four 20p coins and five 2p coins. How much did the purse contain altogether?
A |
B |
C |
D |
E |
£5.10 |
£5.22 |
£5.82 |
£5.85 |
£5.90 |
Answer: E
2. A car park has space for 220 cars per floor. How many cars can fit on 3 floors?
A |
B |
C |
D |
E |
440 |
460 |
640 |
660 |
680 |
Answer: D
3. A work shift begins at 14.15hrs and lasts for six hours. What time does it finish?
| A |
B |
C |
D |
E |
20.15 |
16.15 |
20.45 |
22.30 |
19.45 |
Answer: A
4. If there is an average of 30 accidents per month, how many would you expect there to be in 12 months?
A |
B |
C |
D |
E |
420 |
380 |
360 |
300 |
120 |
Answer: C
5. What percentage of £40.00 is £8.00?
A |
B |
C |
D |
E |
5% |
20% |
22% |
25% |
48% |
Answer: B
Practice doing simple arithmetic without using a calculator
Do number puzzles
Verbal Reasoning
You will be presented with a short paragraph describing an incident. Following this will be a number of statements. You need to decide whether the statement is:
True, False or Impossible to say based on the information given in the paragraph.
Example Questions:Some time on the night of October 1st, the Copacabana Club was burnt to the ground. The Police are treating the fire as suspicious.
The only facts known at this time are:
- The Club was insured for more than its real value.
- The Club belonged to John Hodges.
- Les Braithwaite was known to dislike John Hodges.
- Between October 1st and October 2nd, Les Braithwaite was away from home on a business trip.
- There were no fatalities.
- A plan of the club was found in Les Braithwaite’s flat.
Statements:
1. A member of John Hodges family died in the blaze.
2. If the insurance company pays out in full, John Hodges stands to profit from the fire.
3. The flat where the plan was found is close to the Club.
4. John Hodges could have been at the Club when the fire took place.
5. There are definite grounds to arrest John Hodges for arson?
Answers: 1: False 2: True 3: Impossible to say 4: True 5: False
How to improve your performance:Read books and newspapers
Play word games
For most new MDP officers, training begins with the 15-week ILDP, held at our training college in Wethersfield, Essex. During this time you will develop your understanding of the complex legislation covering all the laws you need to learn, as well as MDP and MOD policies and procedures. There will be opportunities to demonstrate what you have learned in practical scenarios and at key points there will be written and practical assessments to ensure you have reached the required standard.
The rest of the mandatory two year probationary period is designed to equip you with the competence, skills and knowledge to conduct core operational tasks in accordance with good practice. It will initially involve working alongside a trained tutor constable for a period of approximately 15 months. During this period there may be opportunities, where operational commitments allow, to visit specialist units and get a feel for what options will be open to you later in your career.