Joining the Police
Everything you need to know about becoming a police officer in the UK. Check your eligibility, compare entry routes, and track your application progress.
Unofficial independent resource — always verify with official sources (College of Policing, your force, PFEW).
Eligibility Checker
Answer a few questions to find out if you are likely eligible to apply
Age Requirement
You must be at least 18 years old to apply to become a police officer in the UK.
Are you at least 18 years of age?
Fitness Test Guide
Everything you need to know about the police fitness assessment, including pass standards, what to expect, and how to prepare.
Standards vary by force. The information below is a general guide based on common requirements across English and Welsh forces. Always check with your target force for their specific fitness test standards and format.
Your First Days & Weeks
What to expect from attestation through to your probation period — a complete timeline for new recruits.
Day 1 — Attestation & Welcome
- •Arrive early in smart clothing (not uniform yet)
- •Attestation ceremony: take the oath/affirmation before a magistrate
- •Receive warrant card (your authority as a constable)
- •Uniform fitting and equipment issue (stab vest, radio, BWV, PAVA, handcuffs)
- •IT setup: email, crime system access, HR portal
- •Force induction: values, expectations, welfare contacts
Week 1 — Foundation Training
- •Classroom-based: force structure, code of ethics, standards of professional behaviour
- •Health & safety, manual handling, conflict resolution
- •Introduction to National Decision Model
- •Basic law: powers of arrest (PACE s.24), use of force (s.3 Criminal Law Act), caution wording
- •Meet your intake — you'll be a team through training
First Month — Core Skills
- •Officer safety training (OST): restraint techniques, baton, PAVA, handcuffing
- •First aid and trauma care
- •Statement writing and pocket notebook standards
- •Radio procedures and phonetic alphabet
- •Crown Court observation visit
- •Driving assessment (if required for role)
Tutored Patrol Phase
- •Paired with experienced officer (tutor constable) for supervised patrol
- •Observed practice: your tutor assesses your competence
- •Gradual independence: from observing → assisting → leading with oversight
- •Regular feedback sessions with tutor and training team
- •Duration: typically 10-16 weeks
Probation Period (2-3 Years)
- •Build portfolio of evidence against competencies
- •Regular competency sign-offs by tutor and supervisor
- •Can be extended if competencies not met
- •Confirmation in role at end of probation
- •You are a full police officer from Day 1 — probation is about demonstrating competence, not earning the role
Practical Tips for New Starters
- Always carry your pocket notebook
- Ask questions — everyone expects you to
- Learn your colleagues' names early
- "I don't know, but I'll find out" is always acceptable
- Look after your mental health from the start — it's a marathon, not a sprint
Entry Routes Compared
There are three main routes to becoming a police constable under the Policing Education Qualifications Framework (PEQF).
Police Constable Degree Apprenticeship
PCDA
Duration
3 years
Qualification Earned
BSc (Hons) in Professional Policing Practice
Starting Salary
£32,820 starting (rising with pay increments)
Entry Requirements
- Level 3 qualification (A-levels or equivalent)
- No existing policing degree
- GCSE Maths & English at grade C/4 or above
- Must not hold a degree in policing
Advantages
- Earn while you learn — full salary from day one
- No student debt for your degree
- Hands-on operational experience from early on
- Degree fully funded by the force
- Most popular entry route nationally
Disadvantages
- Academic workload alongside operational duties
- 3-year commitment before completing probation
- Some forces have limited PCDA places
- Must balance shift patterns with study time
Typical Timeline
Months 1-6
Initial training and classroom learning
Months 7-18
Tutored patrol and academic modules
Months 19-30
Independent patrol with ongoing study
Months 31-36
Final assessments and dissertation
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | PCDA | DHEP | Pre-join Degree |
|---|---|---|---|
| Duration | 3 years | 2 years | 3 + 2 years |
| Salary While Training | Yes | Yes | No (during degree) |
| Degree Required | No | Yes (any subject) | Earned before joining |
| Qualification Gained | BSc (Hons) | Grad Diploma | BSc (Hons) |
| Tuition Fees | None | None | ~£27,750 total |
| Best For | School leavers, career changers | Graduates from any discipline | Those wanting to study first |
Application Progress Tracker
Track your progress through the recruitment process. Your progress is saved automatically.
Research Forces
Identify which force(s) you want to apply to and check their current recruitment status.
Submit Application
Complete the online application form with personal details, qualifications, and competency-based evidence.
Online Assessment
Complete online situational judgement tests, verbal/numerical reasoning, and behavioural style questionnaires.
Assessment Centre
Attend in person for role-plays, written exercises, and competency-based assessments.
Interview
A structured competency-based interview typically covering 4-6 CVF areas.
Fitness Test
Complete the Job-Related Fitness Test (JRFT) including the bleep test (level 5.4) and dynamic strength tests.
Medical & Vetting
Undergo medical examination, biometric vetting (MV level), and security checks on you and your associates.
Offer & Start Date
Receive your conditional offer, agree a start date, and prepare for your first day at training school.
Recruitment Status
Check which forces are currently recruiting and set alerts for updates.
How Police Recruitment Works
Most forces recruit in windows — typically 2-4 times per year. The full process from application to first day usually takes 6-12 months, including assessment centre, fitness test, medical, and vetting (which alone can take 3-6 months).
Tips: Apply to multiple forces if possible. Prepare your fitness early (bleep test 5.4). Have your documents ready (ID, qualifications, employment history). Check each force's website directly — recruitment windows open and close quickly.
Metropolitan Police
Greater Manchester Police
West Midlands Police
West Yorkshire Police
Thames Valley Police
Hampshire Constabulary
Kent Police
Essex Police
Merseyside Police
South Wales Police
Avon and Somerset Police
Devon and Cornwall Police
Nottinghamshire Police
Lancashire Constabulary
Police Scotland
Police Service of Northern Ireland
City of London Police
Surrey Police
Dorset Police
Northumbria Police
Police Staff & Non-Sworn Roles
Not every career in policing requires a warrant card. These civilian roles are essential to keeping forces running and offer rewarding careers without becoming a sworn officer.
PCSO (Police Community Support Officer)
Community patrol, crime prevention, and intelligence gathering. PCSOs are the visible presence on the streets, building relationships with local communities and tackling anti-social behaviour.
Designated Powers
- Issue fixed penalty notices
- Require name and address for anti-social behaviour
- Direct traffic and place cordons
Key Requirements
- No degree required
- Training provided (typically 10–12 weeks)
- Good communication skills
- Must be 18 or over
Control Room Operator
Handle 999 and 101 calls, dispatch officers to incidents, and manage live operations on radio. Fast-paced shift work that is stressful but highly rewarding.
Key Requirements
- Good under pressure
- Clear communication essential
- IT literate
- Shift work (including nights and weekends)
Crime Scene Investigator (CSI)
Attend crime scenes, collect forensic evidence including fingerprints, DNA, fibres, and photographs. Prepare exhibits and statements for court proceedings.
Key Requirements
- Usually need a forensic science degree or equivalent
- Attention to detail
- Ability to work at distressing scenes
- Court presentation skills
Intelligence Analyst
Analyse crime data, produce intelligence products, brief operational teams, and identify patterns and trends to support investigations and crime prevention strategies.
Key Requirements
- Analytical degree or intelligence background preferred
- Strong data analysis skills
- Experience with intelligence tools
- Ability to produce clear briefings
Custody Detention Officer
Process detainees in custody suites, conduct searches, manage welfare checks, and assist the custody sergeant with the safe and lawful detention of prisoners.
Key Requirements
- Training provided on the job
- Some physical fitness required
- Calm under pressure
- Good interpersonal skills
Digital Forensic Examiner
Extract and analyse data from mobile phones, computers, and digital devices to support criminal investigations. Produce reports and give evidence in court.
Key Requirements
- IT or computer science background
- Specialist certification (e.g. EnCase, Cellebrite)
- Understanding of digital evidence principles
- Court presentation skills