Police Officer Recruitment
When you apply to be a police officer, you can expect nine months full of activity as we look at your application, carry out a range of checks and put you through your paces! Our recruitment snake shows you exactly what goes on in that time.
Reveal more information by tapping the steps.
Vacancies are usually open for a limited period. The application process is short as we only require a few personal details.
You will receive notification of the received application, together with your candidate reference number.
We are sorry but late applications cannot be accepted. Once the vacancy closes all applications are sent for shortlisting
Once your application is received it will be subject to basic checks to ensure you meet the eligibility criteria to become a police officer.
Once shortlisting is complete you will be notified to register with the College of Policing for the national sift and online assessment centre. The national sift is an online screening tool used by the College of Policing. It comprises a situational judgement test and a series of behavioural statement questionnaires for you to complete.
If you pass the national sift you will be invited to take the online assessment centre. You will be given one week to complete the three tasks of the assessment. An online interview, a written problem solving exercise and a briefing exercise (verbal problem solving exercise). It takes the College of Policing about three weeks to provide the results.
The in-force interview will be in person and often at our administration facility in Wellingborough (Darby House). This will comprise a number of questions about you, why you want to be a police officer and what you bring to policing. The interview will last approx. 30-45 minutes.
If you are successful at the interview you will receive a conditional offer to become a police officer. This means you have demonstrated the skills and qualities required. Do not resign your employment yet. There are still some steps to complete which we call the ‘pre-employment checks’.
Vetting is designed to highlight risks within people’s lives which may make them susceptible or may pose a risk to the Force. Forms will need to be completed and our vetting team will provide advice and guidance. It is important that you are open and honest on your vetting form to avoid being rejected
Vetting is designed to highlight risks within people’s lives which may make them susceptible or may pose a risk to the Force. Forms will need to be completed and our vetting team will provide advice and guidance. It is important that you are open and honest on your vetting form to avoid being rejected
If you are successful at the interview you will receive a conditional offer to become a police officer. This means you have demonstrated the skills and qualities required. Do not resign your employment yet. There are still some steps to complete which we call the ‘pre-employment checks’.
The in-force interview will be in person and often at our administration facility in Wellingborough (Darby House). This will comprise a number of questions about you, why you want to be a police officer and what you bring to policing. The interview will last approx. 30-45 minutes.
You will be required to complete a full medical health questionnaire and undertake a medical examination. Medical and eyesight forms will need to be completed and further guidance will be available
Your DNA and fingerprints will be taken to be searched against national databases and stored on the police elimination database. Police Regulations state that you must be tested for substance misuse. An external agency will carry out the drug test and will include taking a small sample of hair
You will be required to provide references to cover the last two years of your employment, a character reference will be requested if there are any gaps in your employment history
Once you have successfully completed the pre-employment checks you will be placed on a waiting list as there are a number of officer intakes per year. You will be provided with a start date which will give you appropriate notice
Uniform fitting, which will take a maximum of one hour, includes uniform, equipment and body armour (where appropriate). Further information regarding what you’ll need to bring with you on the day of your fitting as well as directions to our stores will be sent prior to your appointment. It can take up to four weeks to measure, order and receive equipment and uniform.
You will now be provided with a formal offer together with your start date. This is usually one month before you start. This is the point where you can resign your employment prior to becoming a police officer.
Congratulations and welcome to your first day. Initially your normal working day will be 9am to 5pm and in smart dress, until your uniform is issued. You will be provided full details in advance of your start date
