Become A Police Officer

Joining The Police Force

The role of a police officer is now seen as one of the top jobs due to the fantastic career opportunities, the break from the 9-5 routine, the security one the job, the specialist options and the pay and pension options. All of these makes this a job that many people dream of becoming.

Did you know...

* there are no minimum or maximum height requirements
* there is no formal educational requirement

It is a job that can be started by some one just leaving school at 18 or someone who is simply looking for a career change aged 40. The police are always looking for officer with a wide variety of backgrounds and skills.

It also a very rewarding career as you are able to help people on a daily basis and give something back to the community. You will also get to work with some of the most challenging people imaginable who constantly test your skills as an Officer. As an officer you also have a tremendous amount of responsibility and are seen as a highly respected member within society.

The Police Recruitment Process Explained

STEP 1: The Police Application Form

The police application form is the first stage in the recruitment process and is your first step to becoming a police officer. If you are successful at this stage you will then be asked to attend an assessment centre where you will be challenged and tested both physically and mentally.

STEP 2: The Assessment Centre

The assessment itself will last approximately four to five hours. The assessment is standardised across all 43 forces in England & Wales, so regardless of which police force you are applying to, you will take the same assessment.

You will take part in:

• a competency-based structured interview, which is made up of four questions;
• a numerical reasoning test;
• a verbal logical reasoning test;
• two written exercises; and
• four interactive exercises.

A small number of forces may call you back for what we term an “in force” interview. This is effectively due to some forces not trusting the national system and will occur after the assessment centre.

STEP 3: Medical and Vetting Checks

Upon completion of the assessment, the force will then carry out the necessary security and financial vetting and ask you to complete a medical history questionnaire.

Your medical history form will be evaluated by a medical expert. You will then be asked to attend a full medical, including a mandatory drugs and alcohol test.

STEP 4: The Police Fitness Test

The final stage of the process is the fitness test. Some forces do complete the medical and fitness test prior to you completing the assessment centre.

RESULTS:

You will receive a ‘candidate feedback’ report providing detailed information on how you performed in the assessment process. The aim of the report is to show how you performed in each of the competency areas and exercises. Your force will give you your candidate feedback report.