digital assessment centre

Welcome to Ashview:
Police Now’s virtual neighbourhood

What does it mean to be a Trainee Detective Constable? What’s involved in the day-to-day role? What traits will you need to drive positive change?

Ashview is a community created entirely to provide you with a unique and fully immersive experience of life as a Trainee Detective Constable. You won’t find Ashview on Google Maps, but you’ll get to experience our virtual neighbourhood first-hand as you take on the role of a Trainee Detective Constable during your National Detective Programme assessment centre experience.

You’ll get a snapshot of the role you can play in bringing about positive impact and change for vulnerable communities, as you experience a series of scenarios designed to give you the chance to showcase your character, mindset and skill for policing.

You should expect to be challenged and inspired in equal measure, regardless of your background and previous experience you will be supported every step of the way. At the end of the assessment centre, you’ll have a unique insight into the challenges and opportunities involved in the role of a Trainee Detective Constable.

What to expect?

The assessment centre will immerse you in the role of a detective for the day and you will complete various tasks typical to the role:

Interview

During your one-to-one interview, you’ll get the chance to tell us about your motivations for joining the Police Now and how you connect with our mission. As well as questions focused on how you might respond in certain situations you will experience on the programme.

Investigative report

You’ll produce a written report on an investigation. This activity focuses on reviewing resources, identifying trends, and suggesting next steps to progress the investigation.

Crime case interactions

You’ll play out real-life situations that you are likely to face as a Trainee Detective Constable on our National Detective Programme. You’ll interact with a suspect of crime and a member of the community who is concerned for the welfare of a victim. This is an opportunity to showcase your communication and problem-solving skills. You’ll have structured reflection time after each crime case to talk through thoughts on strengths and development areas.

Debrief

In this session you will be given the opportunity to reflect on what you’ve learned during the assessment centre and talk openly about areas of positive performance and aspects you found challenging. We would encourage you to think about if you would do something differently next time.

What we’re looking for

Sim Kaur | Detective Constable

We’re interested in how you think and respond in different scenarios, and your ability to reflect and learn from your experiences.

We’ll be looking at how you react to the challenges you’ll face, and how you respond in a fast-moving and ever-changing environment. We’ll also look at how you work collaboratively, your ability to interpret emotions, and how you learn and adapt throughout the assessment centre.

Remember, this is not a test of your current policing knowledge. We aren’t looking for specific answers. We are looking for your potential to become a Trainee Detective Constable by giving you the opportunity to experience what the role involves.

To ensure we recruit outstanding graduates who will thrive in their policing role, you’ll be assessed to see how aligned you are with Police Now’s mission, competencies, and values. We would recommend you spend time familiarizing yourself with these competencies and values ahead of the assessment centre.

Requesting adjustments

Police Now is dedicated to ensuring all candidates have an equal opportunity to perform at their best during the application process.  

Ahead of the digital assessment centre you will be given the opportunity to share any adjustment you require, so we can put the right support in place. One of the adjustments we frequently make at assessment centre is extra time.

To discuss adjustments in confidence, please get in touch.

Hints and tips for completing the assessment centre

Strengths-based interview

Crime cases

Investigative report

Debrief

What will happen afterwards?

We’ll be in touch within ten working days to let you know your outcome and to provide personalised feedback on your performance, related to the competencies you have been assessed against.

If you are successful, your dedicated Recruitment Officer will contact you directly and give you a run-through of what to expect during the onboarding process. They will be your main point of contact and will guide you to complete your pre-employment checks i.e. your fitness test, medical, vetting, biometrics and substance misuse test.

Do you need to chat to someone about the assessment centre?

Our team are happy to support you with any guidance or technical queries ahead of or during the digital assessment centre. 

Devon & Cornwall Police

Police Now | Devon & Cornwall Constabulary
cc-shaun-sawyer

Shaun Sawyer

Chief Constable

National Graduate Leadership Programme

Cohorts: 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020
No. of police officers enrolled: 8

National Detective Programme

Cohorts: —— —— —— —— 2019 2020
No. of police officers enrolled:

Case studies: