College Cops It!

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7 December 2009

Hundreds of potential policemen and policewomen attended a joint recruiting event between North Wales Police and Coleg Llandrillo Cymru at the College’s Rhos-on-Sea Campus this week.

The event was aimed at people who may be interested in a police career and visitors had the opportunity to talk to over thirty police officers about the wide range of career opportunities available within the force. Special Constables, who are currently on the College’s Foundation Degree in Police Studies course, were also on-hand to answer questions and relate their experiences.

The day included detailed presentations from the North Wales Police and College staff. Visitors were able to get information on student funding as well as gleaning a wealth of information about the diverse opportunities available from a career in the police force.

The College has been working in partnership with North Wales Police for the past three years, establishing an innovative Foundation Degree in Police Studies that is a fast-track route into a career in the Police, for suitable candidates. The curriculum has been developed not only to give learners the underpinning knowledge and skills that will equip them for the challenges of police work, but also gives them practical experience needed, as joining the police ‘Specials’ is an integral part of the programme.

Police dogs used for finding drugs and weapons and a range of police vehicles were present during the day, but the highlight was an appearance by the North Wales Police helicopter which landed on the College grounds, much to the delight of students, staff and visitors.

Special Constables Victor Jones from Ruthin, Sian Roberts from Llysfaen and Michael Gray from Rhyl, who are studying on the Foundation Degree in Police Studies course, spent time answering questions from College students who were interested in a career in the police force.

Victor, who is originally from the Ukraine, said: “It was a fantastic day for all concerned. The course has been challenging, but ultimately very rewarding. I would recommend it to anyone who would like to join the police.” Sian said: “The course content has enabled me to be more effective in my role as a Special Constable. I wasn’t daunted, quite the opposite in fact, it gave me lots of confidence. In the classroom, we have received first-hand knowledge from current and former police officers, who provide examples of real life situations that they have encountered. ”

Speaking at the event, Janet Hewitt, Special Constabulary Coordinator, said: “We were inundated with enquiries throughout the day. The College is a huge local success story and we are pleased to continue working with it to provide a Foundation Degree course in policing for people wanting a police career.”

For more information on the College’s Foundation Degree in Police Studies course, contact Donna Chapman at the College on 01492 546666 ext 729 or email: d.chapman@llandrillo.ac.uk or phone the Advice & Guidance team on 01492 542 339.