Recently, la Academia blogged about how a second foreign language helps with getting to University, and this week, an article in the press caught our eye – in their latest recruitment campaign the Metropolitan Police are requiring candidates have a second language.
The Met explains “Policing a population of over 8 million people, home to over 40 different communities who speak in excess of 300 different languages is challenging and complex, so it’s critical we recruit the best people with the right skills to police London”.
They explain that a Police Constable who has a second language “is an asset in helping both themselves and their colleagues to more effectively engage with the community and deal with everyday policing situations”.
The 14 languages accepted are: Arabic, Bengali, German, Greek, Hebrew, Hindi, Italian, Polish, Portuguese, Punjabi, Sinhali (Sri Lanka), Spanish, Turkish and Yoruba (Nigeria).
The Met helpfully provides a recording in each of the 14 languages, so that you can test your level, here: http://www.metpolicecareers.co.uk/newconstable/eligibility.php and they make it clear that those with a second language are unable to apply to be a PC at this time.
This is an interesting new requirement, and we’re wondering whether other police forces, and other employers dealing with varied communities will follow suit. It just goes to show that your language skills can always come in handy as the Met says, you are “an asset”!
Let us know on our Facebook or Twitter how you get on with the sample recording on the Met Police website!