Policing Degree?

[ilovemarkb]

My son has got a place at university to do a three year policing degree. Tuition fees alone are £9000 per year. He has always been shy/ quiet and extremely hard work to have a conversation with. I cant for the life of me see him being a policeman. He feel that he might be making a mistake but dont want to hurt his feelings. Does it take a certain type of person to be a policeman? Am I worrying needlessly?

[dannyk13]

There are many different types of personality in the police force. Don't worry he will be ok.

[Prudie]

i've never even heard of this before to be honest. Do you know why he chose it, has he expressed a wish to become a policeman? I'd worry a bit about doing it for 3 years and then not getting in.

[wolf63]

How old is your son? Does he still have some growing-up to do?

[hc4361]

I expect he will thrive at uni and find his confidence and his voice.

If he doesn't have what it takes to be a police officer the course will equip him with skills he can use elsewhere.

[EDDIE51]

All police have to do their time 'on the beat' even the fast track graduates.
If he has been accepted they must think he has a good chance of making the grade. Competition for the police graduate 'fast track' places is intense so he must have potential.

[puzzled54]

Is it policing or is it criminology? Because a degree can lead to many different options.

[Cloverjo]

I didn't know that a policing degree exists.
He might find it easier to have conversations with people when there is something specic to talk about, as in solving crimes.
It's hard not to worry about your kids, especially if you feel they're making a mistake, but you can't live their lives for them. Let him get on and find his feet.

[ilovemarkb]

He is 18yrs. He has said that he wants to be a policemen but not sure which area of policing. there was no interview but he did need 240 ucas points from his A levels.

[ummmm]

It could be the making of him.

[wolf63]

18 year old - I was at that point once. It may have been a while ago.

Whatever he wants to do I wish him well. Has he considered being a Special Constable to see if that is what he really wants.

[pixie374]

It could well be. Three years at university will teach him a lot and probably give him a lot more confidence anyway. Good luck to him xx

[ilovemarkb]

ok thanks guys. I need to take a step back and just be there for him if he needs me x

[Tilly2]

If he's not police material, he won't get the degree. The course will help him find his niche. Don't worry. Let him try for himself.

[Prudie]

I'd also assumed like Eddie that this was a fast track entry degree sponsored by the police but googling suggests you can go and do it without having even approached the police first. I'd agree Uni will probably be a great experience though.

[Islay]

Someone has already suggested this but he should try being a special constable for a while - hubby did this whilst we were at college and loved it.

[ilovemarkb]

thanks guys for further answers. Year 2 involves being interviewed for the specials (I THINK)

[EDDIE51]

Yes, joining the 'Specials' will give him more and better experience than a collage course.If he really does not like it as a 'special' it would be a warning to choose another career option.
I really did think he must have been picked out as a candidate for the degree by the police.

[Marshwarble]

Some parents can't see their children be anything other than their children...

[Islay]

In my opinion he should not wait until the 2nd year - he should do it as soon as possible - it could change his mind over his career path.

[johnny37]

Ive been trying to avoid this thread but feel I must say something, my son having just joined as a PC after 10 years a a PCSO. It is not a job for the faint hearted. Requires bags of confidence and streetcred. No good talking about 'the making of him'. You have to already have to have evidence of top class social skills. I agree with Eddie. Join the Specials. Or one of the forces reserves. My son was in the RAF reserve, which he also adored but had to leave as it did not fit in with his police duties. This will give him a taste for it and also improve his confidence. In my experience undergraduates have a lot of spare time on their hands. A young acquaintance of mine is even going through the application process for the RAF police. Whatever direction your son decides to go in a degree in any discipline will do. Make it something not too difficult. They love graduates. I strongly recommend he has a chat with someone at his local police station or forces recruiting office.