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.
Once the vacancy has opened, you will have two weeks to request and apply for an application form
When completing the application make sure that all sections of the form are completed and you check your grammar and spelling. Once you have checked your application form submit to the email as advertised
We are sorry but late applications cannot be accepted. Once the vacancy closes all applications are sent for shortlisting
Once the vacancy closes, your application form will be checked and reviewed by the recruitment team, which can take up to two weeks to complete
Once the shortlisting has been completed, you will be informed if you have been successful or unsuccessful, this will be via email
If you are successful you will be invited to attend an interview. The interviews normally take place within four weeks of you being shortlisted. The interviews are currently carried out online and full details will be sent to you to enable you to prepare
You will be informed if you are successful or not on the day of interview and feedback will be provided by the panel members. This will be followed by an email confirming the outcome by the recruitment team
If you are successful at interview, you will then be invited to take part in the College of Policing online Assessment Centre, which will normally be within five weeks from the interview date. Full details will be sent to you, including joining instructions. Once you have completed the assessment centre, it can take up to four weeks to receive the results. You will be informed of the outcome via email by the College of Policing
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 interview, you will then be invited to take part in the College of Policing online Assessment Centre, which will normally be within five weeks from the interview date. Full details will be sent to you, including joining instructions. Once you have completed the assessment centre, it can take up to four weeks to receive the results. You will be informed of the outcome via email by the College of Policing
You will be informed if you are successful or not on the day of interview and feedback will be provided by the panel members. This will be followed by an email confirming the outcome by the recruitment team
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. A full uniform policy will be provided with your induction handbook
The recruitment team aims to send you your formal letter and contract of employment four weeks prior to your start date
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
