Police officer

Entry Requirements:

You can get into this job through:

• a university course
• a college course
• an apprenticeship
• working towards this role
• applying directly

University

You could get a degree in any subject and apply for a place on the:

• Degree Holder Entry Programme
• Police Now's National Graduate Leadership Programme or National Detective Programme

Alternatively you could self-fund a Professional Policing Degree before applying to join a force. You are not guaranteed a job at the end of the course. Instead, you have to apply for probationary constable roles within 5 years of completing this degree.

Entry requirements:

• 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree

College

You could gain some of the skills and knowledge you need to apply directly or through the degree apprenticeship route by doing a course like:

• Level 3 National Diploma in Uniformed Protective Services
• Level 3 Certificate in Public Services
• Level 3 Diploma in Policing

Entry requirements:

• 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, for a level 3 course

Apprenticeship

You could start by doing a Police Constable Degree Apprenticeship (PCDA). It's a 3 year work-based programme that leads to a degree in Professional Policing Practice.

You can apply through your chosen force .

If you want to work in non-emergency response situations you could do a serious and complex crime investigator degree apprenticeship.

In this role, as well as police forces you could also be employed by organisations like:

• The National Crime Agency
• HM Revenue and Customs
• The Ministry of Defence

Entry requirements:

• 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A levels, or equivalent, for a degree apprenticeship

Volunteering

You can get a taste of what it's like to work with the police by volunteering as a special constable .

You could also get paid work as a police community support officer (PCSO) before applying for police officer training.

DirectApplication

You may see this called the traditional entry route or the Initial Police Learning and Development Programme (IPLDP).

You'll generally need A levels or an equivalent level 3 qualification, or experience in a related area like the military.

You'll usually apply to one police force at a time. If your application is successful, you'll be invited to an assessment centre where you'll:

• have an interview
• take written tests

If you pass the tests at the assessment centre, you'll then:

• complete a physical fitness test
• have a medical, including an eyesight check
• go though security and background checks

You can search for forces that are recruiting for the traditional route at Joining the Police .

This route is gradually being withdrawn and replaced by the degree apprenticeship or degree entry routes.

OtherRoutes

If you want to go back into police work, you can find out about options for former officers from the College of Policing  or Join the Police .

Required Skills:

Digital skills : to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently

Skills:

• legal knowledge including court procedures and government regulations
• knowledge of public safety and security
• negotiation skills for keeping people safe
• patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
• sensitivity and understanding for dealing with traumatic situations
• the ability to understand people’s reactions
• excellent verbal communication skills
• leadership skills
• active listening skills
• customer service skills for treating people fairly and with respect
• the ability to accept criticism and work well under pressure
• concentration skills for working under pressure and acting professionally
• the ability to think clearly using logic and reasoning
• to be thorough and pay attention to detail
• knowledge of teaching and the ability to design courses
• thinking and reasoning skills
• knowledge of psychology
• the ability to monitor your own performance and that of your colleagues
• physical skills like movement, coordination, dexterity and grace
• the ability to work well with your hands

What you'll do:

Police officers keep law and order, investigate crime, and support crime prevention.

In this role you could:

• respond to calls for help from the public
• investigate crimes and offences
• interview suspects and make arrests
• give evidence in court
• control traffic and crowds at large public events and gatherings
• advise the public on personal safety and crime prevention
• promote respect for people in relation to their race, diversity and human rights

Location : You could work on a patrol or at a police station.
Environment : Your working environment may be outdoors in all weathers and physically and emotionally demanding.
Uniform : You may need to wear a uniform.

Salary:

Starter : £19,164
Experienced : £41,130

These figures are a guide

Working hours:

37 - 40 hours a week

Working Pattern is evenings / weekends / bank holidays on shifts

Career Path:

Once your training is complete you'll need to pass a probationary period as a police constable. There are clearly defined ranks in the service which you can move through with experience as well as taking additional examinations. There are opportunities to specialise in a particular type of policing, for example:

• criminal investigation department (CID), anti-fraud or road traffic
• drugs or firearms
• counter-terrorism
• air support or underwater search
• dog-handling or mounted policing

With experience, you may be able to apply for promotion to sergeant, inspector or chief inspector.

In the CID you'll also have the title of detective added to your rank, for example detective sergeant or detective chief inspector.