In this second blog of our series spotlighting the experiences of students on UWE Bristol’s Professional Policing Degree (PPD), we share the journey of Cece Delaney-Melville. From discovering an interest in policing during her A-levels to balancing her studies with volunteering as a Special Constable with Avon and Somerset Police, Cece offers a personal insight into the challenges, rewards, and opportunities of taking this path. Over to Cece…
Introduction to Policing
In A-levels I studied criminology, psychology, and law, this is what sparked my interest within policing.
I did not always know that I wanted to pursue a career in policing. My father was a firefighter, which first inspired my interest in a role that involved helping others, although I knew that path was not the right one for me. My interest in policing developed further once I began my studies, as I gained a deeper understanding of the various aspects of the role and the many ways in which officers support the community. Additionally, the variety and unpredictability of each day in policing have only strengthened my passion for pursuing this career. It has widened my knowledge to the different thing policing is involved in and the many roles there are within policing.
Discovering the Special Constabulary
I was not aware of this opportunity at the start. Our Programme Leader Christian informed me within the first week of the PPD and highlighted the benefits of joining as a Special Constable. After learning more about it, I was immediately keen to apply.
What motivated me was the valuable experience I would gain and how this would complement my degree. Becoming a Special Constable allows me to apply the knowledge from my studies to real-life situations, as well as bring practical insights from policing back into my academic work. It also provides me with invaluable first-hand experience of the role, giving me a clear understanding of what to expect when I join the police full time.
Application and Recruitment Process
In relation to the UK National Sift process, I found this stage straightforward, it was easy to do, and you just answer the questions as you believe.
The online application was straightforward. However, the interview was slightly stressful, but this is normal like any other interview you go to you would be nervous. You are given a range of questions and topics you will discuss within the interview prior to the day. The best thing you can do is answer the questions as you would in the interviews and memorise your answers. On the day of the interview, you will be given 10-15 minutes to write down any notes you have on flashcards to jog your memory. For the health screening you will be asked to attend the HQ where they will take your fingerprints a hair sample to test for drugs and you will be weighed, measured and asked basic health questions. Additionally, you will do a hearing and an eye test. The ladies who did my health screening for me where lovely and helpful so do not worry! And finally, the bleep test! I was nervous about this due to the fact it was a pass or fail assessment however it is only 3.7, which is basically a light jog!
Training Experience
My training cohort had 16 people, and these weekends were really fun and informative. The training stretched across 7 weekends. The first was an introduction weekend where you received your uniform and laptop making it feel all a bit more real. Then the rest of the weekends were grouped into learning the National Decision Model (NDM) and values of the force, legislation, first aid, policing roads, and PPST which is where you get to use your batons and learn take downs and other tactics. This is a really fun weekend, and I recommended you book to stay at the HQ! Then finally your graduation weekend!
The people I trained with were from many walks of life. I was one of the youngest and the only university student. However, other people had full time jobs such as a neuroscientist, comms operators, BT workers, paramedics and lots more.
There were different motivators for everyone. Some did it as they always wanted to be an officer but their career took them elsewhere so this was something they could do alongside working, however a lot of people used the specials as a stepping stone to join the police full time.
Support from the PPD Degree
The PPD has helped me a lot with being a special. The biggest thing is helping me understand the people I meet out on duty, the theories you will learn in this degree are extremely relevant.
The training provided by the force is short and sweet and you may feel like you’re not really ready to go out and start policing (I know I did) but that’s where the degree will help you. The in-depth discussions and teaching that is provided at university will help you feel more confident.
First Shifts and Challenges
I did not feel prepared on my first shift, and this is completely normal! You are doing something you’ve never done before. However, I feel as though I am quite a sociable person so felt like I would be prepared to speak with members of the public although I do not think anything will prepare you for your first rude or quite aggressive encounters you can have with the members of the public and how you deal with those in a professional manner. You must remember that sometimes you will deal with people who are having the worst day of their lives, and you must show a level of respect and empathy towards them even if they have not been pleasant to you.
Future Career Aspirations
I plan to do some travelling once I leave university and then join Hampshire Constabulary as its closer to home for me and therefore also me to save some money for the future. However, in the future I would like to transfer back to Avon and Somerset.
I am open to specialise in a particular area although not sure what yet. However, I am really enjoying being a response officer at the moment. In the police you also have the opportunity to do attachments with specific areas within the force. This is good as you can almost try before you buy. I am hoping to become a full-time officer.
Advice for Future Specials
My advice would be to do it!
You are only required to do 16 hours a month which isn’t a lot and trust me you will want to do more than this anyway! They are extremely flexible for students who go home for university, as long as you make up the minimum hours within the year it doesn’t matter. It can be quite a daunting experience and quite long winded through the application stages but as soon as you start you will love it. Additionally, there is such a big support system, and if you are struggling or need help with anything there a people there to help you! I smashed my phone on the first day of training and I had a new one the next week so don’t worry about anything.
The regulars welcome Special’s with open arms as they need every set of hands they can get so don’t be worried about that. And don’t worry if you make a mistake because YOU WILL and that’s okay, everyone is understanding and will help you every step of the way.
I have honestly gained a huge respect for the police and what they do, it can be an incredibly stressful and risky job at times but is extremely rewarding. They do so much and are there to help everyone.
We look forward to further insights from Trinni Dagger in the final blog of this series.
Anyone interested in applying for the PPD can find out more information here
If you are also interested in joining the Special Constabulary, you can find out more information here
Editorial Team
Paul Williamson (Editor-in-Chief); Claudia McCready (Lecturer); Claire Bowers (Senior Lecturer); Eve Smietanko (Joint Programme Leader & Senior Lecturer) and Ian Lowe (Senior Lecturer).
If you would like to be a guest blogger, please contact Police.Blog@uwe.ac.uk