Police Online Assessment Centre Briefing Exercise Explained
A clear, practical guide for police applicants. Learn how to prioritise information, deliver a structured briefing, and handle follow-up questions.
What the briefing exercise actually is
The briefing exercise in the Online Assessment Centre assesses how you absorb information, prioritise issues, and explain decisions clearly under time pressure.
- It is not a test of memory, speed, or police knowledge.
- You are not expected to know procedures, legislation, or terminology.
Instead, assessors are looking at how you:
- identify priorities
- explain reasoning
- communicate clearly and calmly
- balance risk and practicality
Many candidates find the briefing exercise challenging because it requires thinking aloud rather than delivering a prepared answer.
Where the briefing exercise fits in the OAC
The briefing exercise is one of three OAC components. Each exercise is assessed independently. A weaker performance here does not automatically mean failure if other areas demonstrate strong evidence. For a full overview, see: Police Online Assessment Centre (OAC) Explained.
The Virtual Environment: What to Expect
Unlike a physical interview, the OAC briefing exercise happens entirely on your screen. Understanding the logistics helps reduce cognitive load on the day.
You will likely see the written materials on one half of the screen and a timer/camera view on the other. You can scroll through the documents during your prep time.
You are recording a video response. There is usually no live person on the other end during the briefing itself (though this depends on the specific force platform). Treat the camera lens as the person you are briefing.
Pro Tip: Do not read exclusively from your notes. Glance down to check your bullet points, then look up at the camera to deliver the point. This simulates "eye contact" and engages the assessor.
The 10-Minute Prep Strategy
In the briefing exercise, you typically get a short preparation period (e.g., 10 minutes) before you have to speak. Here is how to use it.
Scan & Identify
Read the material quickly. Identify the core "Ask" (what specifically do you need to brief on?). Spot the 2-3 biggest risks immediately.
Structure
Don't write a script. Write bullet points.
1. Introduction
2. Main Issue (The "Why")
3. Action (The "What")
4. Rationale (The "Because")
Review & Calm
Look at your bullets. Do they make sense? Take a deep breath. You are ready to speak calmly.
*Timescales are illustrative. Always check your specific candidate instructions.
How to Structure Your Spoken Delivery
A chaotic briefing loses marks for communication. Use "Signposting" to tell the assessor exactly where you are going.
Start with a 10-second summary of the situation.
"Good morning. I have reviewed the information regarding the [Situation]. There are three key issues to address: Safety, Evidence, and Community Reassurance."
Deal with one topic at a time. Do not jump back and forth.
"Turning to my first priority, [Issue X].
My action will be to [Action Y].
I have
decided this because [Reason Z]."
Summarise briefly and check understanding (even if speaking to a camera, it shows awareness).
"To recap, our immediate focus is securing the scene. I will update you again in 30 minutes. Do you have any questions?"
What assessors are actually listening for
Positive Indicators
- ✓ Identifying what matters most
- ✓ Logical reasoning
- ✓ Calm, clear explanation
- ✓ Considering risk & impact
They Are Not Expecting
- ✗ A single "correct" answer
- ✗ Perfect legal knowledge
- ✗ Rushed, rapid-fire speaking
- ✗ Memorisation of all facts
How to prioritise: A Worked Example
Imagine the scenario: You are preparing a briefing on a Neighbour Dispute.
You have info on:
A) A heated argument over a fence (Potential assault).
B) A report of a barking dog (Noise nuisance).
C) A vulnerable elderly resident scared to leave her
house.
"I would prioritise the elderly resident (C) and the potential assault (A) first."
Why?
Risk of harm involves a vulnerable person. This outweighs the noise complaint.
"Next, I would ensure we investigate the alleged assault (A) to secure evidence."
"Finally, I would address the dog barking (B), referring it to the council if necessary, as it is not an immediate threat."
The "Magic" Phrase
"I am prioritising this because [Reason: Risk/Vulnerability], whereas that issue can wait because [Reason: Low Threat]."
Advanced Tactic: Handling Information Overload
You will be given more information than you need. Some of it is "Noise". Assessing your ability to filter this noise is part of the test.
Ignore (Noise)
- • Long background histories of people not involved in the immediate incident.
- • Detailed descriptions of unrelated assets (e.g., the colour of a car that isn't suspect).
- • Complaints about long-term issues (unless they escalate risk *now*).
Focus (Signal)
- • Any threat to life or safety (Top Priority).
- • Vulnerability (Age, disability, mental health).
- • Evidence at risk (CCTV being wiped, rain washing away blood).
- • Time-critical factors (Suspect leaving the country).
If you’re unsure how confident you feel prioritising information under pressure, the free “Are You Ready for the Police Online Assessment Centre?” readiness check can help identify areas to focus on before assessment day.
Check My OAC ReadinessHandling Follow-Up Questions
Follow-up questions are used to explore your reasoning. They are not designed to undermine you. Assessors may ask:
- Q"Why did you prioritise X over Y?"
- Q"What risks did you consider?"
- Q"What would you do if the situation changed?"
Pro Tip
Responding calmly and logically is more important than defending your original answer. If a question highlights a risk you missed, it's okay to say: "That is a valid point. In light of that, I would adjust my priority to..."
Common mistakes candidates make
Trying to memorise everything
You simply can't. Rely on your structured notes instead.
Rushing without reasoning
Listing actions without explaining "Why" scores very poorly.
Focusing on minor details
Don't get bogged down in trivial complaints while ignoring safety risks.
The Monologue Trap
Talking non-stop without structure. Assessors need pauses to process your points.
What happens after the briefing exercise
Your briefing exercise result is combined with your interview and written exercise outcomes. Results and feedback are normally provided through your recruiting force or assessment platform. Timescales vary.
Final reassurance
The briefing exercise is not designed to overwhelm you. It is designed to assess how you think, prioritise, and communicate under pressure. If you can explain your decisions calmly and logically, you are demonstrating exactly what assessors are looking for.