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Police, Security & Emergencies
Emergency services respond to everything from fires to medical emergencies, while the police patrol our streets and look into crime.
What are the police, security and emergency services?
🚓 What do the police do?
The police tackle and prevent crime and help out during emergencies. They gather evidence for court cases and keep in touch with communities.
🔒 And the security industry?
The security industry includes private guards, bouncers and bodyguards, working hard to keep events and places safe while preventing crime and managing risks.
🚑 What about the emergency services?
Emergency services, like police, fire and ambulance teams, respond to crises, helping us in emergencies like accidents, fires, and medical issues, always ready to assist.
Need more info? Ask an Apprentice
Considering an apprenticeship in this area of work? Or just unsure about uni? Our Ask an Apprentice community is made for you! Be mentored and chat with real apprentices, get application tips, and ask all your burning questions through our new platform.
What jobs can I do?
Coastguard
Coastguards perform sea rescues and tackle environmental issues. Many are volunteers, but paid roles include watch assistants who help ensure safety along our coasts.
Crime scene investigator
Yup, you can star in CSI! Crime scene investigators collect forensic evidence from crime scenes, helping solve cases by analysing everything from fingerprints to DNA. They’re essential for presenting evidence in court.
Emergency call handler
Emergency call handlers are the first point of contact in crises, directing help and providing support over the phone. They’re vital in keeping people calm until help arrives.
Firefighter
Firefighters battle blazes and rescue people from dangerous situations. They also educate communities on fire safety and can work part-time in rural areas as retained firefighters.
Immigration officer
Immigration officers safeguard national security by checking passports and visas. They interview individuals and assist in gathering intelligence for the security services.
Paramedic
Paramedics are lifesavers on the scene, providing urgent medical care and transporting patients to hospitals. They're trained to handle emergencies and keep calm under pressure.
Police officer
Police officers investigate offences and attend incidents. They can specialise in areas like fraud, drugs and even underwater searches.
Police community support officers (PCSO)
Police community support officers (PCSOs) assist regular police by dealing with minor crimes. They can detain individuals but aren’t equipped for high-risk situations.
Prison officer
Prison officers oversee inmates, maintaining order and security in prisons. They assess prisoners’ needs and can advance to management roles like prison governors.
Private investigator
Private investigators conduct discreet inquiries for various clients, from businesses to legal firms. They might trace stolen goods or investigate fraud, often working solo.
Probation officer
Probation officers supervise individuals after prison, helping them reintegrate into society and reducing the chance of reoffending. They support rehabilitation and community safety.
What are the top skills?
🧩 Adaptability
Adaptability is crucial, as situations in police and emergency services can change rapidly. Being flexible helps you handle whatever comes your way.
💬 Communication
Communication skills are key in these roles. You’ll need to convey information clearly, whether calming someone in distress or working with a team.
🧐 Problem solving
Problem solving is essential when faced with emergencies or criminal investigations. Quick thinking can make all the difference in high-pressure situations.
😬 Resilience
Resilience helps you bounce back from tough situations. In police and emergency services, it’s vital to stay strong and focused during challenging times.
🧑🏾🤝🧑🏽 Teamwork
Teamwork is everything! Many jobs in these fields require collaborating with others to ensure community safety and effectively handle emergencies.
How can I start a career in this industry?
🛠️ What apprenticeships can I do?
There are various apprenticeships available, like police officer (level 4) and operational firefighter (level 3). These offer great hands-on training!
🎓 Is uni an option?
Absolutely! Degrees in criminology, community justice or police studies can kickstart your career. Some roles even offer fast-track graduate schemes for aspiring leaders.
🔞 Are there age and fitness restrictions?
Yes, you must be at least 18 to join the police or emergency services. Fitness tests are required to ensure you can handle the physical demands of the job.
⭐ How can I stand out?
To stand out, gain relevant experience, volunteer, and develop key skills. Show your passion for public safety and demonstrate your adaptability and teamwork skills.
What qualifications can I get?
What degree options do I have?
You can study degrees in criminology, criminal justice, or policing. Foreign languages and IT qualifications can also boost your chances in security services.
What qualifications can I get through a police, security and emergency services apprenticeship?
You can earn various qualifications, like level 3 custody professional or level 4 cyber security technologist. Many roles also provide first aid and health safety training.
5 fun facts you didn’t know
Firefighters used to be called ‘bucket brigades’
Firefighters were historically known as 'bucket brigades', relying on manual labour to extinguish flames before modern firefighting techniques emerged.
Most incidents firefighters attend are NOT fires!
About a quarter of incidents firefighters attend are fires. Firefighters also get called out for floods and even medical incidents.
Paramedics visit tens of thousands of people per day
Ambulances answer over 20k calls per day! Most people can be treated on the scene – only about 1% of patients end up in A&E.
The police have been around for two centuries
The first professional police force was founded in Glasgow in 1800 and Robert Peel established the Metropolitan Police in 1829, setting the foundation for modern policing methods.
There are over 200 lifeboat stations
The RNLI (Royal National Lifeboat Institution) operates 238 lifeboat stations around the UK and Ireland, relying on a dedicated team of volunteers.
Need more info? Ask an Apprentice
Considering an apprenticeship in this area of work? Or just unsure about uni? Our Ask an Apprentice community is made for you! Be mentored and chat with real apprentices, get application tips, and ask all your burning questions through our new platform.