Probation Training
If successful in the SOTP, and attested into the PSNI as a Probationer Police Constable, you will undergo a two year probation period during which you will receive on-going training and development as part of your daily routine. Specific training you will receive during your probation period includes:
Operational Development Training
Eleven weeks pre-Tutorship training based at various Northern Ireland Police College sites, consisting of:
- 2 weeks firearms training*
- 3 weeks driver training (dependent on driving categories held)
- 1 week tactical patrolling training*
- 3 days First Aid training*
- 3 days search training*
- 1 day fire safety and HEP B injections
- 3 days public order awareness
- 2 days communications training
- 2 days ICIS training
- 3 days NICHE training
- 1 week annual leave (compulsory due to number of days worked)
If an officer fails any element of the training denoted by a * on three occasions, they may be dismissed under Regulation 13 of the Police Regulations 2003.
Tutorship
Tutorship involves 10 weeks based at or near your operational station. This stage involves patrolling with a Tutor Constable who will assist you to learn from a variety of operational experiences. You will be required to complete a Record of Achievement during your Tutorship.
Probationer Training
Following a period of operational policing you will attend a residential course at the Maydown site. This course will include a physical competence test, classroom and practical based training.
Further Probationer Training
Following further periods of operational policing you will undertake further probationer training at Maydown. This training will include the 'pre-end of probation' Physical Competence Assessment, a written paper and further competency based assessments.
Assessment During Probation
Throughout your 2 year probation you will compile a Professional Development Portfolio and be continually assessed in written, practical and physical exercises. Probationer Constables must pass these assessments before they can be confirmed in the rank of Constable.