How to become a police officer

Thank you for your interest in applying for a position with us.

Due to the nature of policing, our recruitment process may be more comprehensive than others you have experienced.

Discover the recruitment process

Step one - application

Answer the questions as carefully and as fully as you can. Please check your spelling and grammar as this will make it easier for your application to be understood and marked effectively.

Disability: Please disclose any mental and/or physical disability/ies in order for us to offer reasonable adjustments where possible.

• A guide to the police officer application form (PPTX, 777 KB)

Step two - shortlisting

Candidates are shortlisted by assessing the information on the application form against the personal qualities and minimum entry requirements.

It is important that you complete the application form fully and carefully, ensuring you demonstrate with examples how you meet the various criteria.

Step three - interview/selection process

If invited to interview you will be notified by email, usually at least seven days before the interview date.

You will be required to produce valid identification at the interview (a list of suitable ID will be emailed to you). You will need to attend a Police SEARCH® assessment centre.

Step four - conditional offer

If you are successful following the selection process you will receive a conditional offer and we will start progressing your pre-employment checks, including: vetting, medical, references and for some roles, a fitness test.

Until these checks are complete you should not hand in your notice with your current employer.

Find out more at some of our police officer information sessions (opens in a new window).