Police Officer

Typical Salary

£21,000 To £41,500

Typical Hours

37 to 40 a week

evenings / weekends / bank holidays on shifts

How To Become a Police Officer

You can get into this job through:

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

College / University

You could do the Professional Policing Degree run by some universities before applying to join a force.

the Degree Holder programme
the Police Now graduate leadership scheme

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

You could take a Level 2 or 3 Diploma in Public Services before applying to the police, although this is not essential.

2 or more GCSEs at grades 9 to 3 (A* to D), or equivalent, for a level 2 course

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.

The National Crime Agency
Her Majesty's Revenue and Customs
The Ministry of Defence

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

Routes into this Career

Routes into this Career are not listed for this job.

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 at Joining the Police

If you're unsuccessful at the assessment stage, you may have to wait a minimum of 6 months before you can re-apply.

Other Routes

If you're a former officer and want to go back into police work, you could return at the same rank or higher through the Police Former Officer entry route.

Skills And Knowledge

You'll need:

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

Day To Day Tasks

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

Working Environment

You could work on a patrol or at a police station.

Your working environment may be outdoors in all weathers and physically and emotionally demanding.

You may need to wear a uniform.

Career Path & Progression

You'll spend 2 years as a student officer before becoming a police constable. You can then decide whether you want to specialise in a particular type of policing, for example:

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.

Volunteering Opportunities

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.

Tips & Information

Career tips

If you're aged 13 to 18 you could become a police cadet.

Further information

You can find out more about routes into policing from Joining the Police.

You'll need to contact your local police force to apply, as each force has its own recruitment rules.

You can find out more about careers in the police from the College of Policing.

Restrictions & Requirements

You'll need to:

pass enhanced background checks
be over 18 years of age

You will also need to pass a fitness test.