Police Prep

I hope this blog will give whoever is interested an idea on how to start to prepare for their recruitment, I am speaking through my own experience and what has been working for me so far. 

Tip 1.

Read. Read. Read!

1. I’ve looked at blogs, the only one I could find that gave me some kind of useful information was Whirlpool Forums. This is what I searched: http://forums.whirlpool.net.au/forum/?action=search&q=police+recruitment&f=&fg=-1&w=&p=
2. QLD police website stresses to read a mixture of non fiction and fiction ( I have multiple news sites and science pages on my Facebook, when I have a change I read the stories especially the science posts because they usually have a new word for me to look up and add to my brain, I also try and read one of those stories out a day to a friend or partner to help me vocalize new and difficult sentences. I also have a bookcase of books and I read the newspaper on my breaks at work

 

Tip 2.

Prepare your fitness!!

1. I recommend having your fitness up to scratch before putting the application in, this was told to me by recruitment.
2. Each state has a different fitness test, each one gave me an insight on how my fitness should be before I join, even though some of the tests aren’t in the state that I am applying for It doesn’t mean that those other exercises wont benefit me. 

• For example the QLD website has a scale for the beep test which is graded (most states base their recruitment process on a merit based system; so the more points you get the better!) I f you look at the link it will outline their A, B and C grading of the beep test if that is what they expect you to be after the Academy it will make your life easier being that before you apply and why not be able to pass the physical with ease, it just proves your determination. 
• Most police websites including the ADF and AFP websites have the beep test recording on them.

1. NSW Police have a very good ‘how to’ guide on starting to Run, Grip Strength and Strength Training.  (follow the links to see what I’m talking about) In the running link you will notice by the time you are through they recommend to do 30-40 minutes of fartlek and 60-70 minutes of an easy run (a pace you can still talk at) per week. This is obviously once you have your fitness to its best, beginners start off with much less, which is also outlined. 
2. I hired a Personal Trainer as well as my partner is one, I was hoping for double the motivation… which I received! My exercise plan involves an unlimited gym membership with 24 hour access as well as two 30 minute PT sessions a week. These sessions usually run longer for me, those days usually run as follows: I get to the gym 30 minutes before my PT session and do a 15 minute warm up on a treadmill or cross trainer then I stretch for 15 minutes, by this time my trainer has found me and I then start my workout with him, which is usually a full body weights workout ( weights are your friend!! any ladies who believe they will look like Arnold from using weights are wrong, that’s a whole different ballgame. To see the benefits click here.) The full body weights workout allows me to prepare my body for such things like the obstacle course in the test as well as giving me the strength I need to be able to restrain a person AND the many other benefits listed in the link above. Once I have finished my 30 minute training session, my trainer then asks me to do a minimum  20 minutes of cardio (I usually run because I need lots of cardio to pass the beep test) which is then followed by more stretching.
3. You don’t need a gym membership to get fit (there are many ways to do it at home), however If your anything like me I find it difficult to want to exercise, so by having PT twice a week I know I have to go to the gym on at least those days.
4. What to do after your workout

Tip 3. 

Some Random Facts

1. QLD police force will provide their Interview questions 40 minutes before the interview.
2. If you aren’t willing to take a rural posting then it probably isn’t worth applying, I was informed at the Careers expo that if that box isn’t checked on the application it is almost a no go. 
3. WA Police will take people whom are colour blind, I’m fairly certain it is the only state that will do so in Australia. 
4. QLD police website suggests to Google Aptitude tests and you can practice them online for free. 
   1. Psychometric Institute- Australian Police guide
   2. SAPOL Practice exam
   3. Sample Tests – I have found this the best practice site, there are many more, I do believe the questions will be easier, my SAPOL prep book is much easier than some of these questions. 
   4. Police Prep– I purchased the book that included all the states exams. 
5. Now bare with me here..my memory is being tested, One of the States has a recommendation of talking to at least 7 officers. If anyone is reading this, maybe comment with some of the questions you would ask, it may help the creative process?
6. Know your minority groups
7. There is a Policing Tafe course, I asked at the careers expo if it is something I need, and I also asked recruitment. One said that if you have a higher qualification like a diploma or a bachelor there wouldn’t bee a need because you already can prove that you can study, and the other said it is beneficial because it starts you off with some of the laws and processes. So it is up to you what you take from that.
8. I believe the SAPOL recruit course is going to be extended from 9 months to 12, if it hasn’t been done already.

Tip 4.

Practice your weakness’ 

I’m currently looking at doing some self defence classes and some lessons in a shooting range, to give myself some extended knowledge before I apply, this may not help my application but at least if I do get accepted I will feel a little more prepared. 

My partners Father is also a copper he has asked a friend at work what places in SA that are good for self defense or other techniques such as boxing. These are some that they suggested (located in Adelaidte):

• Japanese Jiu-jitsu
• Maga Thai Boxing- This is one of the ones recommended Reality SDC
• BJJ and MMA- ISO Health
• Judo- Adelaide Uni Judo Club

 I also know that some of my other weakness’ are public speaking and mathematics. I have started re visiting some math but not the speaking as of yet (makes me nervous). 

I will leave the tips there for now, I don’t want to overload with too much, and my brain has also left for the moment and I cant think of what else I had to say…

So I hope this is a good starter for everyone.