Why be a Police Officer?

Perhaps it’s the only job you’ve wanted to do since you were a child.  Maybe you come from a proud family of police officers.  Or possibly you’re just curious to learn more about policing.  Whatever the reason, we’re glad you’re here. 

Policing is one of the most varied jobs there is.  Yes, there’s paperwork, but there’s also the adrenaline of responding to a 999 call, not knowing what might happen next.  There’s the camaraderie of working as a team to deal with a major incident.  And there’s the satisfaction of being a reassuring presence for the people in your neighbourhood beat. 

Police officers have the opportunity to save people’s lives

There aren’t many jobs where every day gives you the chance to save a life.  It could be as dramatic as giving emergency CPR to someone, or it could be a single routine action that stops a chain of events from unfolding.  Every fight you break up, every speeding ticket you issue, every domestic incident you attend could have ended up as a fatality if you hadn’t been there. 

Police officers have the opportunity to change people’s lives

You’ll have to deal with people who have made bad decisions and done terrible things.  But you’re in a unique position to help them see the error of their ways.  You may never know it, but the way you treat the people you encounter may lead them to make better choices in the future. 

Police officers help and protect people

You’ll uphold the law and bring offenders to justice, but policing isn’t just about crime.  You’ll also help victims move on with their lives.  You’ll help find vulnerable missing people.  You could be first on the scene in disaster scenarios such as floods or terrorist attacks.  Everything you do will be to make life safer and more secure for the people of North Wales. 

Every single day our officers come to work ready to face the unknown.  It can be tough.  It can be stressful.  But it can also be rewarding in a way that no other job can. 

So…could you be a cop?

Am I the right kind of person?

We need the right people keeping North Wales safe, so our officers must show the six key leadership behaviours:

Public service

Everything we do is to make North Wales safer for the public.  If you aren’t willing to focus on what matters to them and work out how best to achieve that, then this job is not for you. 

Openness to change

“Change is the only constant in life.”  Not just a random pearl of ancient Greek wisdom, it’s a fact of life in NWP.  Laws change.  Crime changes.  Our organisation changes.  As employees, we have to respond positively and flexibly, coming up with ways to work more efficiently and cost-effectively. 

Decision making

As a police officer you will be making decisions every single day.  Whether it’s how to deal with the first-time teenage shoplifter you’ve detained, or which of the two fleeing burglars you run after, every decision you make will impact on people’s lives.  So it’s essential that you can be objective, professional and confident. 

Professionalism

Everything about us matters.  What we do, what we say, how we look.  You’ll need to act with honesty and integrity, in line with our Force values and Code of Ethics.  If you don’t have a strong work ethic or pride in what you do, then you might want to look elsewhere. 

Service delivery

We have to be organised so we can deliver an effective service to the people of North Wales.  You’ll need good communication skills and a methodical approach so that you can plan and organise your work effectively. 

Working with others

As a police officer, you’ll work with a lot of people – both within the Force and outside it.  You’ll be part of a specific rota, but also part of a larger geographical team, which in turn is part of our Local Policing Services division.  You’ll interact with departments such as custody, forensics and other specialist areas, as well as our colleagues in the fire and health services.  And of course you’ll be out and about meeting the public on a daily basis.  So it’s vital that you can work co-operatively and that you treat people with respect and dignity, regardless of their circumstances. 

It’s true that a lot of your work will be responsive – you’ll patrol the streets, break up fights, investigate crimes, maybe even chase people from time to time.  But many people don’t realise how much time is spent pro-actively problem solving.  Community-oriented policing focuses on helping people stay out of the criminal justice system, rather than on putting them into it. 

Are you a good problem solver?  Do you want to make a difference in your community?  If you thrive on variety and challenge, why not apply to join Team NWP?