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Would I be eligible to join Essex Police?

Hi there,


I have decided I would like to join the police specifically my local force Essex Police. I would eventually like to move up to become an AFO or SFO.

But one thing that concerns me is my eyesight. It's not the worst, but definitely not the best. I don't always need to wear glasses. I know you can wear glasses in the police, but what about as a firearms officer?


I am fine on fitness, 2 a levels should be no problem, haven't done a driving test yet. I don't have a criminal record or any diseases or disorders, no tattoos.

Does anyone have experience joining Essex Police? How hard is it it and will my eyesight be a problem? Thanks,

Alex
Original post by qwertyK
Hi there,


I have decided I would like to join the police specifically my local force Essex Police. I would eventually like to move up to become an AFO or SFO.

But one thing that concerns me is my eyesight. It's not the worst, but definitely not the best. I don't always need to wear glasses. I know you can wear glasses in the police, but what about as a firearms officer?


I am fine on fitness, 2 a levels should be no problem, haven't done a driving test yet. I don't have a criminal record or any diseases or disorders, no tattoos.

Does anyone have experience joining Essex Police? How hard is it it and will my eyesight be a problem? Thanks,

Alex


Do you still have to do that knowledge of policing diploma thing?
Reply 2
Avatar for qwertyK
qwertyK
OP
14
Original post by KyleH123
Do you still have to do that knowledge of policing diploma thing?


Don't think so for Essex, nothing mentioned in their brochure.
Reply 3
Avatar for PYDogVan
PYDogVan
5
I believe the following forces currently require the certificate in the knowledge of policing:
Thames Valley / Gwent / South Wales / Metropolitan / Cheshire / Surrey / Hampshire

There may be others but I don't think Essex is one.

As for eyesight requirements it's something like this:
Standard PC - 6/6 both eyes, 6/12 left or right eye alone
AFO - 6/6 both eyes, 6/6 in one eye alone and 6/12 in the other alone

So only difference is that AFOs need 6/6 in one eye alone and 6/12 in the other, whereas standard PCs can have 6/12 in both eyes alone. I have no experience of Essex but my eye test was very quick during my medical and from what I can remember I had to read letters of a chart/a book passge. Maybe contact an opticians prior to any potential medical assessment if you're concerned?

I wouldn't worry too much about the AFO requirements at this stage; just focus on researching the role, preparing for your day 1/interview and getting in as an actual PC first. Specialism comes much later!
Reply 4
Avatar for Fuzzpig
Fuzzpig
16
Most forces will require a full driving licence at point of application

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