Overview
The initial training course you will complete as a new Trainee Police Constable is known as the Student Officer Training Programme (SOTP).
The SOTP is an intensive 21-week programme accredited by the University of Ulster which will fully prepare you for the rigours of operational policing. The Programme is equivalent to the first year of a degree and on successful completion you will gain a Certificate of Higher Education in Policing, worth 120 university points.
This initial training course incorporates all the necessary elements of knowledge and skills to prepare you for your new role. In particular the SOTP will help you hone your abilities in the seven behavioural competencies which a Police Officer must possess:
Resilience
Effective Communication
Community and Customer Focus
Respect for Diversity
Teamworking
Personal Responsibility
Problem Solving
Your SOTP will include classroom based and practical elements and you will be subject to on-going assessment. On successful completion of your 21-week SOTP you will be attested as a Police Constable (Probationer).
SOTP Modules and Structure
The 21-week initial Student Officer Training Programme does not follow a 9am-5pm timetable. In fact you could be working 7am through to 10pm. Your first 4 weeks of training will be residential from Monday to Friday at Police College, Garnerville. You will be allowed home at the weekend and meals will be supplied free of charge during this residential.
The 6 modules of the SOTP are:
- Police and Community Relationships
- The Criminal Justice System
- Crime
- Roads Policing
- General Police Duties
- Officer Safety
The programme is based on National Occupational Standards and the Integrated Competence Framework and its key principles include: Effective Communication, Relevant Knowledge of the Law and Relevant Policing Skills.
You will be exposed to over 100 practical exercises during your SOTP, allowing you to develop your practical policing skills and demonstrate your understanding of police legislation and procedures. During the course you will be expected to compile a Professional Development Portfolio (PDP) consisting of your coursework and police related paperwork. Student Support Officers will guide and support you with your studies during the SOTP.
Examples of the learning areas covered include:
- Law and procedure
- Preparation of prosecution files
- Giving evidence in court
- Use of batons, handcuffs, and CS Incapacitant Spray
- Making arrests
- Conducting Searches
Teaching and Learning
The training during the SOTP involves various teaching methods including experiential learning based around simulated incidents. You will be expected to participate fully and reflect on what learning has taken place. Computers are used in the fully equipped interactive learning centres, where multimedia training aids and the internet are available. You will be responsible for your own learning and development.
Your training day in the College usually begins at 8.20am with class work between 9am and 5pm. There will be occasions when you will work different hours to reflect the reality of shift work in the police service; this will include shifts from 7am to 3pm and 1pm to 9pm. In the evening you will be required to attend evening lessons, other activities or self-study. Time management is extremely important. With the exception of your start day and other exceptional needs, your training will generally be Monday to Friday and you will be off on Saturday and Sunday, however you will be expected to pre-read material for the week ahead.
Assessment
Your performance at assessments throughout the SOTP will determine your progress in the course. You must pass all assessments to attest as a police officer.
You will engage in on-going self-assessment maintaining a record of your performance in your PDP. Your self-assessment is supported by trainer and peer assessment. All assessment mechanisms are open and transparent procedures.
Overall, throughout your SOTP you will undertake a range of rigorous formal assessments, including:
- Six multiple choice examinations
- Six definition tests
- Eight assessed practical exercises
- Three competency based assessments
- Three case studies
- A personal safety assessment
- A physical competency assessment