Police services across the United Kingdom require a working understanding of the English language. It is imperative to be able to express yourself succinctly and be able to filter, analyze and organize any information given to you into a legible report.

At the assessment centre you will be required to perform two written exercises. You are only permitted to make 10 spelling mistakes in total, so use words that you are confident you know how to spell. If you are asked to write a memo, report, proposal or letter, remember to keep in mind the core competencies that police services are seeking. Below is a list of them.

Responsibility

 

The willingness to accept personal responsibility for situations that you had control over and any decisions that you have made with either positive or negative consequences. Acts with a high degree of integrity and honesty.

Analytical Thinking

 

The ability to analyze situations and events in a logical way, and to organize the parts of a problem systematically.

Self - Confidence

 

A belief in your capabilities and recognition of personal limitations.

Communication

 

You must have the skills to effectively communicate using listening skills and verbal and written communications skills.

Flexibility / Valuing Diversity

 

As a police officer, you will have to work with a wide cross-section of the community that includes diverse backgrounds, cultures and socio-economic circumstances. You must have the ability to adapt your approach to each situation.

Self - Control

 

Policing can be extremely stressful. You must establish that you can control your emotions actions when provoked.

Relationship Building

 

Developing contacts and relationships both within and outside the police service is extremely valuable.

Achievement Orientation

 

You must demonstrate a desire for continuous improvement in service and accomplishments.

Information Seeking

 

The ability to seek out and analyze information from various sources before making decisions.

Concern for Safety

 

The ability to exercise caution in hazardous situations in order to ensure safety to self and others.

Assertiveness

 

The capacity to use authority confidently and to set and enforce rules appropriately.

Initiative

 

Demonstrated proficiency to be self-motivated and self-directed in identifying and addressing important issues.

Cooperation

 

Willing to act with others by seeking their input, encouraging their participation and sharing information.

Negotiation / Facilitation

 

The ability to influence and persuade others by anticipating and addressing their interests and perspectives.

Work Organization

 

The ability to develop and maintain systems for organizing information and activities.

Community Service Orientation

 

Proven commitment to helping or serving others.

Commitment to Learning

 

Demonstrated pattern of activities that contribute to personal and professional growth.

Organization Awareness

 

A capacity for understanding the dynamics of organizations, including the formal and informal cultures and decision-making processes.

Developing Others

 

Commitment to helping others improve their skills.

Testing Instructions

You will be given 60 minutes to perform each test. The count begins as soon as the page is displayed. The page will automatically close when the time is up. Make sure that you have enough time to complete the test before you start. There are no pauses in the test.

You will be required to have a pencil and paper on hand to write out your answers. Remember that when you apply to the police services you will be judged on the legibility of our handwriting. Your marker must be able to read your report. You are allowed to take notes to organize your information before beginning the report.

Materials Allowed

Only a pencil and paper are allowed in the test. Dictionaries, thesauruses, and electronic devices are not permitted.

Completion

Upon completion of each practice exam you will be shown a sample answer written by a police officer. Remember that these are just examples, and that your answer does not have to be identical. Pay attention to the structure and how the information is presented. Review the material below before taking any practice written exams.

Report Intro

Many police services will ask you to write a report based on a series of information. They are assessing your ability to sort through data, reach a logical conclusion and present the information in a clear, coherent manner. There are several things you must keep in mind while performing this exercise.

There will be irrelevant information included in the question.

  • Ensure that you discard information that doesn't add to the report.
  • Examples of this include descriptions of areas too removed from the area the report is to focus. For example, in a traffic collision scene is it really relevant that there is a bridge a mile down the road?


The information may be presented in random order.

  • Describe the event in your report in chronological order.
  • Attempt to include all times where appropriate.


You will have to analyze and recreate the event concisely and clearly.

  • Follow the KISS principle - Keep It Simple Stupid
  • You are not being graded on the size of the words you use. Keep the language simple and the sentences clear.
  • Be sure of your spelling and grammar.
  • Write the report in a legible format. If the marker can't read it you will be failed.


You will be under time pressure.

  • Pay close attention to the time while you are writing.
  • Set an adequate amount of time to read the question, sort out the information, and write the report.



Writing Process

Information Gathering

As you are going through the information, you should be identifying relevant information and sorting it. There are six basic questions that you should be addressing while you are writing your report.



If possible "why" should be included. But be careful not to invent details in the report

While reading through the report, pull out information which may seem relevant. Sort it into categories and make notes. Information should be grouped inot the following categories.

  • time
  • date
  • location
  • involved parties
  • evidence at scene
  • property description
  • other

Depending on the scenario, there are other categories that may be more relevant.

Report Writing

As a test applicant, and later as an officer, always follow the KISS rule. This is always essential. Police reports are factual, relevant, and clear. Below is a list of suggestions on how to write your report.

 



Practice writing as many reports as you can. Observe the formats used on this Internet site.

Marking Components

You will be marked on the following four components:

1) Comprehension - You must demonstrate that you understand what happened in each scenario. This will involve puzzle-solving skills.
2) Conclusions - You must reach a logical conclusion to the events that transpired. You will have to interpret the data and make a decision as to what must have happened.
3) Technical Writing - Your grammar and spelling must be correct.
4) Penmanship - Markers have to be able to read your writing without difficulty.
5) Competencies - Where appropriate incorporates decisions and descriptions that take into account the competencies sought by police services.

Testing Options

Written Exercises for the Assessment Centre

Additional Writing Exercises

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