The Sergeants National Police Promotion Framework (NPPF) Step 2 Legal Examination, formerly known as OSPRE Part 1 is on 9th March. I am often asked for advice on what to revise in your final revision programme. I always say, that depends on what your current knowledge and understanding is, and of course how confident you are and how much work have you done.
It may however be useful to provide some suggestion for each of the Blackstone’s Police Manuals. This week I will focus on the Evidence and Procedure Manual.
I suggest that as this is the Sergeants exam you need to think about what Sergeants do in the work place and how those tasks are most likely to be tested. Without a doubt, you must know The Codes of Practice exceptionally well. All aspect of The Detention and Treatment of Persons in Custody must be learnt in depth. Relevant time is an old favourite and this will be your bread and butter in Custody, so ensure you know all the versions of when the clock starts and stops. If you know The Codes of Practice well, the questions will probably feel like gifts for you. Who can and who can’t be an appropriate adult. It’s simple but easy to get wrong if you have not learnt the lists. Samples are essential learning, as are searches. Revise intimate searches and intimate samples. Where can they take place? Who can search? Can you use force? Access to legal advice and when it can be refused are a must. All aspects of interviewing and of course Code G and identification procedures. In summary, the critical daily business of custody must be learnt like the back of your hand.
Ensure you revise the bail content. This can be easy to slip up on, so revisit it. Court procedures and witnesses often get neglected during study and revision. Do not make that mistake. Revise the youth justice section carefully. Many of my colleagues have found the youth justice section tedious to learn and skimp on it. I suggest it is highly likely to be tested, so try your best to stay with that subject. Likewise, for disclosure. CID officers, however, seem to manage this very well as its their daily business.
In summary, I suggest PACE and the Codes of Practice must be revised in depth. Do not fall into the mistake of thinking you know it well as you have probably studied these areas numerous times so far in your career. There are many small details that can be overlooked.
Feel free to email me.
Also, check out my silver workshop for essential multiple-choice exam technique.
Best of luck and stay with it and keep healthy.
Martin