Example police application form diversity answer.

We are always being asked about how to get a good example of the above for the police application form and interview. Below is our advice on it.The tone and principles involved also cover the whole police recruitment and police assessment system. Not understanding them is the most common erros we see both at the police application stage and also the police assessment preparation that we do.

Where can you get examples from?

This question is basically about dealing with unacceptable behaviour. Ideally, your answer would be about challenging racist, sexist or homophobic behaviour, but you’re not limited exclusively to these kinds of examples. Any experience you may have had of someone making allegedly humorous remarks about, for example, the way people dress, speak, act or look may provide evidence. These could include age, weight or disability. In essence, you just require an example where someone has been doing something that would offend somebody else. It does not matter if that person was offended or not. As the question itself states, the assessors are looking for evidence that you did something positive to resolve the situation, whatever it was.

Everybody has seen someone at some time doing something that would make another person uncomfortable. Those candidates who say that they have not either live in some amazingly perfect part of the country, or are admitting that they do not recognise inappropriate behaviour.

An example diversity answer

Background

“A new female colleague transferred into my office at work. She was quite young, and had only been out of college for a few months. Immediately, my male colleagues began to make sexist comments towards her. Over a period of the few days, one male member of staff in particular began to pester her to go out for a drink with him. These attentions were clearly unwelcome, and she appeared embarrassed and upset by them.”

What I did

“I approached her and confirmed with her that she found the comments unwelcome. The next time the male made such a comment, I immediately challenged it, pointing out that he was causing embarrassment, and showing a lack of respect. I also told him that I found his conduct personally offensive, and that I intended to bring it to the attention of management if it were to continue.”

Why do you think the offender acted inappropriately?

“I do not think my male colleague had stopped to consider the effect of his actions. He regarded himself as being a bit of a joker, and was shocked when I pointed out the effect his thoughtless actions were having. He simply had not realised that the effect his actions had on the new staff member, and was immediately sorry.”

What would have happened if you hadn’t intervened?

“Had I not intervened, I believe the female colleague would have either left, or else had no alternative but to make a formal complaint to management. In any event, she would have been miserable at work, and the inappropriate comments from my colleague may well have got worse if left unchallenged.”

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