The importance of soft skills in a hard industry

Two police officers stood next to a police van

Sarah Deakin, Head of Department, Criminology and Social Justice. 

A government backed push to recruit up to 20,000 new police over the next two years reflects the current demand for skilled police officers nationally.

While comprehensive on the job training is provided, police officers face tough decisions, complex problems, and more dangerous situations, whilst dealing with an increased number of vulnerable people and new situations on a daily basis.

It’s important to ensure that those wishing to enter the police have a fundamental knowledge of not just the criminal justice system but also the communication skills needed to work in the sector.

To respond to the growing recruitment push over the coming years, UCEN Manchester has worked on creating a one-year, HNC that’s designed to give those aspiring to join the police force a concrete understanding of the force and it’s challenges whilst developing the skills needed to succeed within it.

Utilising the skills and knowledge of professional practitioners operating in the justice system from within UCEN Manchester’s Criminology and Social Justice Department, the course has been developed to prepare graduates to enter the police force, with the skills they need to work effectively.

The HNC in Policing is designed to help graduates learn to communicate accurately and appropriately in adverse situations.

Students will learn to develop a range of transferable skills to ensure effective team working, independent initiatives, organisational competence, and problem-solving strategies.

They will be adaptable and flexible in their approach to policing, show resilience under pressure, and meet challenging targets within a given resource. All of which are the key attributes needed to succeed in this career and make a positive impact on the sector.

Apply now for our HNC in Policing or search other courses within the Criminology and Social Justice Department.