Four steps to becoming a Kent special constable
Before you apply, you should ensure that you've done everything you can to prepare yourself so that your application has the best chance of success.
The different steps of the recruitment process are detailed below, so you know what to expect at each stage. Although it can differ person to person the recruitment process can take approximately 8 to 12 months.
If you need additional help or support, please contact the HR innovation team.
Step 1 - your application
Read our top tips before moving on to complete your online application form or attend one of our workshops.
Step 2 - College of Policing national sift process
You need to pass the National Sift to be progressed to the next stage.
The National Sift consists of two exercises testing the competencies and values that are important for the role of police constable. You will be asked to complete a situational judgement test (SJT) and a behavioural style questionnaire.
Step 3 – attend a briefing session
All briefings will be conducted virtually for the time being. You will be invited to an interview prior to the College of Policing Online Assessment process and be required to pass this to enable you to progress further in the recruitment process.
At this stage you will be invited to a face-to-face interview held at the Police College in Maidstone. You will be contacted with further information by email and sent all the relevant details for your scheduled interview directly from the recruitment team.
Your interview is another opportunity for you to demonstrate why you should join our team.
Your interview is another opportunity for you to demonstrate why you should join our team.
During your interview you will be tested on our competencies and values framework.
We'll give you guidance about the format of the interview beforehand so please don't worry.
Fitness test
The next step is to pass the endurance fitness test. You'll have to run a 15 metre track in time with bleeps which get increasingly faster (level 5.4 bleep test).
If you fail on your first attempt don't worry. You're allowed two more attempts within a 12 week period. You will be briefed by the Recruitment Team if you need to retake your fitness attempt.
If you fail on your first attempt don't worry. You're allowed two more attempts within a 12 week period. You will be briefed by the Recruitment Team if you need to retake your fitness attempt.
Step 1 – vetting checks
Due to the nature of the job you'll understand we need to carry out checks on our employees and their families.
This includes you, your spouse/partner (and their children if over ten years old), family members (including step relations) and any other adults who live at your address.
Financial checks will also be carried out to make sure you don't have an outstanding CCJ, IVA or are registered bankrupt.
If you've discharged your bankruptcy debts you'll need verification from the Court that three years has passed since the date of discharge.
Further information about vetting can be found on the Joining the police website.
If you fail vetting, you have a right to appeal. You can appeal a vetting decision by email or in writing within 14 days. You must detail why you want to appeal the decision and anything else you want taken into consideration.
If you're unsure why you failed we can talk that through with you before deciding whether to make an appeal.
Step 2 – Medical screening
You'll be asked to complete a medical questionnaire which must be signed by your GP and returned directly (confidentially) to our health team.
All being well, you'll be examined by one of our appointed medical practitioners who will check your:
- lung capacity
- eyesight and colour vision
- hearing
- mobility
- existing conditions
- urine
- height/weight/BMI check (note: Body Mass Index should be within 18 to 30)
- eyesight test requirements - for more information please read the HM Government eyesight requirement information
Medical standards
Please read the HM Government medical standards information which provides full details on which illnesses, injuries and disorders will affect your ability to perform the role of a police officer.
Step 3 - Home visit/final candidate checkpoint
We carry out a home visit/final candidate checkpoint as part of the security checks.
This will take place during the pre-employment phase of the process and you will be visited by sergeant (or above) or police staff senior manager, who will visit your home address to complete a questionnaire which will:
This will take place during the pre-employment phase of the process and you will be visited by sergeant (or above) or police staff senior manager, who will visit your home address to complete a questionnaire which will:
- clarify the correct details have been provided to our vetting team
- provide you with professional standards guidance ahead of your start date
- address any questions or concerns you may have
Step 4 – Fingerprints and DNA
Samples of your fingerprints and DNA will be taken to carry out some final vetting checks against various national databases. You'll be required to consent in writing to this process.
Step 5 – References
We'll ask for references from each of your previous employers and/or educational establishments for the last three years. Any gaps in employment will need to be explained and verified.
If you haven't been in employment for three years, we'll ask for a character or educational reference.
This is the stage where you will begin your training which will consist of a number of elements including scenarios, classroom inputs, drill practice, fitness sessions and exams. It is hands on, challenging and intense but there is plenty of support in place to help you throughout the course.