Get a taste of police work during ride along

Participants will shadow a late shift – between 9pm and 3am – on a Friday or a Saturday night, and receive a tour of Guernsey Police HQ, Joint Emergency Services Control Centre, and the custody suite. They will also be able to speak to officers about their experiences, and gain a greater knowledge of what the job entails.

The initiative comes as the force has struggled with recruitment, with 126 warranted officers employed locally earlier this year – 24 short of the number needed to deliver the police’s frontline operating model.

It led to half a million pounds of overtime payment last year and officers being seconded from the UK to cover shortages over the winter.

Sergeant Asa Flatres said he is hoping the new scheme will be useful for those who have considered policing, but were not certain what to expect.

‘When it comes to making that final decision, there is little more valuable than the opportunity to speak to some of our officers about the role, and experience it alongside them.

‘Anyone can apply, as we know other members of our community may benefit from first-hand experience of how we police the Bailiwick. Our ultimate goal with this scheme is to help people understand in greater detail how we operate, and how we achieve our purpose of keeping the Bailiwick safe and secure.’

The force is hoping to attract people who are passionate about helping their community.

‘Those joining the police need to have a passion for what they do and need to want to work for the community,’ said Sergeant Flatres.

‘It is a high demand, high pressured job – people trust you to deal with their complications.

‘This is the first time for Guernsey Police to do anything like this, and I saw it as an opportunity to allow people the opportunity to further identify if the job is for them by giving them exposure.’

Sergeant Flatres aims for it to be a continuous opportunity, rather than just being a part of the recruitment programme.

‘This will be a rolling thing – not just a part of the recruitment programme. I saw it as an opportunity for those who want to have a go.

‘We’ve had our first applicant – he will be starting on 25 June – people seem really keen to get involved.’

Anyone interested should fill in an application form, which will be considered by senior officers, complete a security vetting document and provide photo ID. On the day, participants will be asked to sign both a safety brief and a confidentiality agreement.

Applicants must be over 18.

• For more details email Asa.Flatres@guernsey.pnn.police.uk