Transferring to Another Force — Reg 16 Process
Officer-initiated transfers between forces happen under Regulation 16. Vetting, pension continuity, pay protection, and probation status all matter.
Unofficial independent resource — always verify with official sources (College of Policing, your force, PFEW).
Who this guide is for
- Officers with at least two years service
- Officers relocating for family or lifestyle reasons
- Officers seeking specialist opportunities elsewhere
- Officers near probation completion
What to do first
Check the receiving force website for transfer information. Speak informally to current line management about timing. Get a pension forecast.
Step-by-step guide
- 1
Check the receiving force vacancies
Forces advertise transfer-in opportunities directly on their recruitment pages. Some operate continuous open windows; others batch.
- 2
Confirm service and probation status
Most forces require completed probation and a minimum further service commitment.
- 3
Apply formally
Complete the receiving force application. References, vetting, fitness, and PDR records will be checked.
- 4
Manage the pension and pay continuity
Pension transfers automatically (same scheme). Pay protection rules vary — check before accepting.
- 5
Plan handover and relocation
Handover cases cleanly. Plan accommodation, schooling, family logistics.
Your rights
- Right to apply for transfer when eligible
- Right to fair consideration
- Right to information about pay/pension impact
- Right to a reasonable transfer date
Common pitfalls to avoid
- Applying before probation is complete
- Underestimating cost-of-living differences
- Failing to confirm pay protection
- Burning bridges with current force
When to get help
Federation rep for procedural questions. Receiving force HR for application detail. Current force HR for release timing.
Related templates & resources
Official sources
BlueLineHub is independent and unofficial. Always verify with the authoritative source below.
- Verify on official source
Police Regulations 2003 — Reg 16
Statutory basis for transfers
Last checked: May 2026 - Verify on official source
College of Policing — Transfers
Authorised guidance on transfers
Last checked: May 2026 - Verify on official source
PFEW — Transfer Guidance
Federation support
Last checked: May 2026
Frequently asked questions
Was this helpful?