Interview Questions

Question 1

Why do you believe it is important to promote diversity within the police force?

Answer 1

• society is diverse
• a police force can only be truly effective if representative of the community it’s serving
• people in society have different needs based on background, religious beliefs, culture, circumstances
• only way police can provide the best service fairly and consistently is if the workforce is also diverse

Question 2

What values do you believe are core to protecting the community? (Public service)

Answer 2

• public service - ensuring police safeguard public by providing the best service that is fair, consistent, robust and that protects the interests of society

Question 3

What values do you believe are core to protecting the community? (Transparency)

Answer 3

Transparency - being open, honest and acting with a high degree of integrity are essential qualities to be a competent police officer
- vital public has trust in its police force

Question 4

What values do you believe are core to protecting the community? (Integrity)

Answer 4

Integrity - setting a good example and acting as a positive role model when carrying out duties and working within the community.
- strong moral principles and professional in everything that you do

Question 5

What values do you believe are core to protecting the community? (Impartiality)

Answer 5

Impartiality - always acting in a far and unbiased manner - be respectful of others and challenge discrimination if you ever come across it

Question 6

What values do you believe are core to protecting the community?

Answer 6

Public service
Transparency
Integrity
Impartiality

Question 7

How would your approach change when engaging with a suspect who is male, compared to a suspect who is female?

Answer 7

• treat everyone fairly, consistently and in line with police force values and training I would have received
• as a pc - duty of care for all individuals - ensure that no one gets treated unfairly based on their gender
• however, if a situation were to arise - for example if a female suspect was pregnant - I would take this into consideration in how I engaged and communicated with her
• treating everyone fairly does not necessarily mean everyone will be treated the same
• there will be situations where I need to adapt my style of communication to suit situation
• However at all times I would be fair and consistent because the law applies to everyone regardless of gender

Question 8

Tell me about a time when you acted with integrity? (STAR) Situation

Answer 8

In my current job, I work as part of a team of employment consultants contracted to the Ministry of Justice Employment Training and Education services. When I started the job in April, I was advised by some of the team to predominately give short, over the phone appointments to the probation service users. They stated that this would save time in the long run and allow me to get through more of the caseloads. However, I knew that it was important for the service users to get the most out of the sessions together to help reduce their likelihood of reoffending.

Question 9

Tell me about a time you acted with integrity? TASK

Answer 9

I felt it was my responsibility to say no to their suggestion and educate them as to the reasons why

Question 10

Tell me about a time you acted with integrity (ACTION)

Answer 10

I explained that if we lower the standards of our services then the service users would not benefit out of the sessions. As the sessions provide support in providing ETE opportunities for people on probation, it will increase their likelihood of reoffending if the support was reduced. We had a duty to help support these people into rehabilitating from crime

Question 11

Tell me about a time you acted with integrity (RESULT)

Answer 11

I explained this to them and they agreed with me. I helped them see that the service they provide when at full potential is worthwhile.

I opted for face to face appointments where possible and stuck to the recommended contract times of 45 minutes to one hour sessions. The rest of the team also upped their delivery times too.

Question 12

You are working on a high profile case, and a journalist has obtained your private phone number. He contacts you asking to anonymously confirm a rumour that has been circulating. How do you respond to that?

Answer 12

• explain that I would not be providing them with any info relating to the case
• I would direct the journalist to the police force media communications team (if they have one) and here the latest details could be given
• I would ask them how they obtained my private number. I would speak to my sergeant and ask them for advice on the matter
• I understand it’s important to keep a positive relationship with the press but I would never disclose sensitive information with the authority to do so

Question 13

Would you treat a teenage boy and an elderly man differently if they had both been assaulted?

Answer 13

• still the same crime - this would not treat the crime differently and would treat both victims fairly and in line with police officer values
• one of those values is impartiality, and it would be my responsibility to make a fair and objective decision using the evidence that was available
• how I communicate with them both might alter slightly because I would need to change my style of communication to get the info and evidence that I needed, but they would both receive the same high level of service and the crime would be treated the same
• at all times, I would follow my training and the operational focuses that the police force had in place

Question 14

4 months ago you agreed to attend your childhood friends wedding. When your rota is released you are schedule to work the day of the wedding what would you do?

Answer 14

I would call my friend and apologise for not being able to make the wedding.

When you join the police you are committing to a lifelong career where, in my opinion, your work and the commitment to you demonstrate to your police force is vital

If I were to attend the wedding, I would be letting my colleagues down and someone else would have to cover for me, meaning their appointments and commitments would have to be changed, which is unfair

I’d send my apologies and I would be on duty that day

Question 15

What would you do if you heard your colleague being racially abusive to someone?

Answer 15

• I would intervene straight away and tell the person to stop using that type of language
• I would speak to the person who the comments were aimed at to make sure they were okay before reporting the incident to my supervisor or sergeant so the appropriate action could be taken
• if you ignore this type of behaviour you are effectively condoning it so I would not hesitate in stopping and reporting it
• the police force has values that must be adhered to and it is important that we build up trust with the public whom we are serving. If police officers can’t act in line with those values, I believe they shouldn’t be working in the organisation

Question 16

Give an example of a time when you have experienced conflict and how you resolved it (SITUATION)

Answer 16

Situation: whilst working in my old job as a caseworker for a charity helping to reduce reoffending, I was conducting an initial assessment on a service user. I asked him whether he had the right to work in the UK. This is a question we ask all service users as it means that you have proof of NI and appropriate ID to enable you to work. The service user took offence to this and called me racist because he was not born in this country.

Question 17

Give an example of a time when you have experienced conflict and how you resolved it (TASK)

Answer 17

The Su started swearing, shouting and stating that he had lived in this country longer than me. I knew I needed to take control of the situation to achieve a successful outcome

Question 18

Give an example of a time when you have experienced conflict and how you resolved it (ACTION)

Answer 18

I let the SU vent about their frustrations. Whilst they were talking, I listened carefully to what they were saying and used open body language. When they started using inappropriate language, I asked them in a firm and confident manner to please stop talking to me in that way. I explained that I was there to support him into employment and, to do, I needed to check whether he had the appropriate documents for work. I explained that this is a question we ask everyone, regardless of whether they were born in the UK or not. I explained that right to work meant a suitable form of ID such as passport/ birth certificate and proof of national insurance number.

Question 19

Give an example of a time when you have experienced conflict and how you resolved it (TASK)

Answer 19

By taking control of the situation and by communicating in a calm yet confident matter, I was able to reach a successful outcome of calming the service user down and carrying on with his initial assessment

Question 20

Tell me about a time when you had to be tactful to resolve a situation? (SITUATION)

Answer 20

Whilst working in my previous job, I had communication from one of the employers I worked with that a service user in their employment was not achieving his targets.

Question 21

Tell me about a time when you had to be tactful to resolve a situation? (TASK)

Answer 21

As I was the service users caseworker, it was my job to ensure he was performing well at work so he did not fail his probation their and thus become unemployed, potentially increasing his likelihood of reoffending.

Question 22

Tell me about a time when you had to be tactful to resolve a situation? (ACTION)

Answer 22

During my routine visit with him in work, I asked him whether everything was okay. He broke down and explained that he was really struggling at work. He had chosen night shifts and could not adapt. He was trying his best to get to work but due to a lack of sleep, he hadn’t been performing as well as he could. He had dropped 2 stone in weight over a short period of time and his mental health was diminishing due to lack of sleep and an inability to talk to his family.

I spoke to the employer about moving him onto a day shift to help improve his sleep pattern and all round quality of life. I explained that this would also help to improve his targets.

Question 23

Tell me about a time when you had to be tactful to resolve a situation? (RESULT)

Answer 23

The service user swapped shifts. His mental health improved significantly. He put the weight he had lost back on and he was the highest achiever in targets. He even received an employee of the month award for his efforts

Question 24

Do you have any restrictions on the locations you are able to work

Answer 24

I have no restrictions on where I can work. Wherever you need me to go, I will be available. I have transport and I will always make sure I am at work on time regardless of where I am stationed.

Question 25

How would you balance work and your personal or social life as a police officer?

Answer 25

If I get to become a police officer my work will be very important to me. I expect my life to change. I am ready for a meeting challenge and I am looking forward to making sure I maintain a healthy work life balance.

I don’t to put socialising with friends that often, so I don’t see this being affected too much. I enjoy spending time with my family; and when I am not doing that I like to keep myself fit by visiting the gym.

I will make sure to maintain a healthy work life balance but I am very much looking forward to the commitment that comes with being a police officer and I am ready got the shift work and responsibilities that come with the role.

Question 26

Why do you want to become a police officer?

Answer 26

• the personality I have, the values that I stick to and the skills and qualities that I have built up over the years are a match for the police force
• I will always act with high degrees of integrity, I can be trusted to represent the police force in a positive manner and I will always build positive relationships with the community because I believe that is the only way that we can deliver the service needed by providing trust
• other reasons - the role presents numerous challenges on a daily basis - I want to work in a way where no two days are the same and where I have to use my experience and skills to adapt to challenges as they are presented
• I find the opportunities of career progression extremely appealing - police force is something that I believe works well with my long term career ambitions

Question 27

Why do you want to join this police service?

Answer 27

Whenever I’ve come across police in the local area they have always been polite and forthcoming so I’m keen to be apart of a police force that works to build positive relationships with their communities. I think this is especially important in West Yorkshire as it’s a diverse county.

Question 28

What skills are need to be a police officer?

Answer 28

Police officers need exceptional communication skills. How you speak to people, how you listen and how you obtain written and verbal evidence are all examples of situations where a police officer must demonstrate effective communication skills whilst carrying out their duties.

Police officers need to alter their style of communication to deal with suspects and victims and they must always be consistent in respect of the police service values, rules and operational procedures.

Team working and independent working skills are other important skills. As a police officer, you must put the needs of the team first whilst acting as a positive role model.

Other skills needed include confidence and resilience to deal with the situations you will regularly face as a police officer. Members of the public expect you to deal with a variety of situations in a calm and professional manner.

Police officers possess a good level of knowledge of police procedures, the law, police officer competencies, and the needs of the community they are serving.

Finally police officers must be capable of using their initiative to solve crimes, complex problems and local community issues