Rejoining UK policing after leaving

Who can rejoin

Most forces accept rejoiner applications from officers who served at least 2 years, left in good standing, can pass current vetting and fitness standards, and have not been out of policing so long that re-accreditation becomes impractical. Each force sets its own gap-out limit — commonly 5 years for streamlined rejoining and longer for full re-application. Officers who left under disciplinary investigation are usually ineligible.

The process — what to expect

1. Contact the receiving force's rejoiner team via their recruitment page.
2. Submit an application setting out previous service, reasons for leaving, and current circumstances.
3. Updated vetting (typically full RV) and a fresh medical and fitness assessment.
4. Re-accreditation training — duration depends on gap and rank-specific currency. Driving permits, OST and PIP-1 often need refresh.
5. Service credit decision: whether prior service counts towards pay incremental point, leave entitlement, and CPD recognition.
6. Probation may not apply if you previously completed it; speak to the force's rejoiner team to confirm.

What changes since you left

Likely changes since most officers left in the last 5–10 years: PEQF / PCDA entry routes (you don't need to follow them, but recruits around you may have), updated APP guidance, NPCC code of ethics revisions, more emphasis on body-worn video and digital evidence, and changes to pay (e.g. the 2023 PRRB award reshaped pay points). Expect a force-issued briefing on what is new.

Pension implications

Whether you re-join your previous scheme depends on which scheme you were in, the date you left, and the McCloud remedy outcome for your circumstances. Most rejoiners enter the 2015 CARE scheme on rejoining; service credit from a frozen prior scheme remains in that scheme. Speak to your scheme administrator and consider independent financial advice before assuming. NARPO has rejoiner-specific guidance.

Service credit, leave, and rank on rejoin

Most forces will reattest you at the rank you held when you left, subject to vetting and re-accreditation. Pay-point recognition varies — some forces honour previous pay points after completion of re-accreditation. Leave entitlement usually restarts at the relevant service band, with prior service counted where the force's policy allows.

Welfare considerations

Rejoining can be both rewarding and unsettling — the job has changed, colleagues have moved on, and your relationship with shifts will too. Our wellbeing hub has practical resources, including the Shift Fatigue Self-Check, Oscar Kilo and Police Care UK signposting.