Police Online Assessment Centre Written Exercise Explained
A complete step-by-step guide. Learn how to structure your report, manage your time, and hit the CVF competencies assessors are looking for.
What is the Written Exercise?
The written exercise puts you in the role of a Police Constable. You will be given a "candidate pack" containing various documents—emails, news articles, letters from the public, or internal memos.
Your task is to review this information and write a report, usually for a senior officer (like an Inspector) or a partner agency.
- It assesses your ability to Analyse Critically (CVF).
- It assesses your ability to be Collaborative (CVF).
- It assesses your ability to Deliver, Support and Inspire (CVF).
Crucially, you must base your answer only on the information provided. Bringing in outside legal knowledge can actually lose you marks if it contradicts the exercise instructions.
Where the written exercise fits in the OAC
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 120-Minute Strategy
Most candidates run out of time because they start writing too soon. Use this breakdown to stay in control.
Read & Scan
Don't deep read yet. Scan titles, senders, and dates. Note who is asking for what. Understand the "Ask".
Plan & Group
Group related documents (e.g., "All complaints about the park"). Sketch your headings. Decide your key recommendations.
Write
Write your introduction, then your main sections using bullet points. Focus on Why, not just What.
Review
Check spelling. Ensure you answered the specific questions in the brief. clear up any confusing sentences.
Example Report Structure
Imagine the scenario: You are asked to review an increase in Anti-Social Behaviour (ASB) at a local park. You have emails from residents complaining about noise, a report from a youth worker about lack of facilities, and a note from the council about budget cuts.
1. Introduction
"Sir/Ma'am, the purpose of this report is to review the recent increase in ASB at Green Park and recommend partnership interventions to reduce incidents while maintaining community trust."
WHY IT WORKS: Sets scope immediately.
2. Key Issues Identified
- Resident Distress: 5 emails indicate fear of walking alone at night.
- Youth Engagement: Youth worker reports local teenagers have nowhere else to go (Document C).
- Lighting: Council report confirms 3 lights are broken (Document A).
WHY IT WORKS: Uses evidence from specific documents.
3. Options & Recommendations
Option A: Full Enforcement. Zero tolerance
patrols.
Risk: May alienate
local youth and displace problem.
Option B: Partnership Approach (Recommended).
I recommend we partner with the council to fix
lighting immediately to address fear of crime.
simultaneously, I propose we work with the youth
team to identify a safe alternative space.
WHY IT WORKS: Shows "Critical Analysis" and "Collaboration".
4. Conclusion / Next Steps
"I will arrange a meeting with the council representative next week to agree funding for the lights. I will also update the residents to provide reassurance."
WHY IT WORKS: Shows "Ownership".
Competency Checklist
Must Include
- ✓ A Clear Recommendation Don't sit on the fence. Decide.
- ✓ Evidence References "As seen in Email B..."
- ✓ Consideration of Risk What could go wrong with your plan?
- ✓ Community Impact How does this affect public trust?
Avoid Completely
- ✗ Assumptions "I assume the youths are criminals." (Unless evidence says so).
- ✗ Copying Text Use your own words, don't just copy-paste the brief.
- ✗ Slang or Text Speak It's a professional report. Use full sentences.
If you’re unsure how confident you are with the written exercise, the free “Are You Ready for the Police Online Assessment Centre?” readiness check can help highlight preparation gaps before assessment day.
Check My OAC ReadinessWhat happens after the written exercise
Assessment
Your written exercise is assessed alongside your interview and briefing exercise.
Results
Results are usually communicated via your recruiting force or assessment platform. Timescales vary.
Final reassurance
The written exercise is not designed to catch you out. It is designed to see whether you can think clearly, prioritise sensibly, and communicate effectively under time pressure. Those skills can be practised and improved with calm preparation.