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The police force is a very large organisation and nobody can doubt its importance in today's society. A force comprising of so many officers must be well led and the leadership team must be well placed to steer the force in the right direction. For those who are an officer in the police force of England and Wales, the temptation may be to become a police inspector and join the team of leaders.
A police inspector is one rank above a sergeant who is in turn one above a police officer. The job of an inspector tends to be on the operations side of things and they are often out of the station, leading a team of sergeants and officers. They are often the supervisor of a police shift of sergeants and constables. An inspector is the same rank as a detective inspector who is specially trained in criminal investigations.
The epaulettes of an inspector are not adorned with a force identification or officer number. They carry two order of the bath stars, sometimes referred to as pips. The potential salary of someone who wants to become a police inspector is £43,000; this rises to £46,000 per annum.
In order to become a police inspector, one must first be a member of the police force. If an officer wishes to be promoted then they will first reach sergeant level and then the inspector rank. There are tests and procedures to be carried out to ensure only the best candidates are allowed to join the leadership team.
The Ospre test is used to assess candidates and consists of two parts. The first part is a multiple question test on the laws and procedures facing sergeants and inspectors. This ensures they are fully aware of their role and the responsibilities with which they will be charged as a police inspector. This is a three hour test and comprises 150 questions with four possible answers. A pass in the first part is required for entry into the second exam. The pass mark, incidentally, is 65% to become an inspector.
Part two is possibly the one they all dread. The role play test is designed to ensure they can respond and act as a very responsible police officer. It tests the skills of leadership needed by a police inspector with seven, five minute role plays. The test has a preparation period and immediate feedback from the trained examiner. The preparation is important and this part of the test has to be passed.
To become a police inspector, one must pass several tests and meet many different criteria. The job is one of responsibility and candidates are assessed thoroughly. The job can be very rewarding for the right individual but there are a few hurdles to clear beforehand. The Ospre testing is just to mention one and there are bound to be some nervous moments. However, with the correct level of preparation and attention to detail, the tests are passable and can lead to an exciting new period of a police career.
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