Q: What qualifications do I need to join the police service?
A: There are no formal educational requirements for recruitment to the police service but applicants must undergo two written tests to ensure they have a reasonable standard of English and a numeracy test. You will also need to be able pass our selection process and complete initial training.

Q: How fit do I need to be to join the police service?
A: You must be physically fit and healthy to perform policing duties safely and effectively. You will take a fitness test as part of the recruitment process. Visit the Eligibility section of our website for more information on fitness.

Q: How old do I need to be to join the police service?
A: The minimum age you can apply is 17.5 years, although you will not be appointed until you reach the age of 18 years.

Q: As a postgraduate are there opportunities for me to enter the police service at a higher rank?
A: There are currently no opportunities for postgraduates to enter the Police services at a higher rank. However, by applying to the HPD scheme after standard recruitment selection, successful candidates will have the opportunity to develop their personal, professional and leadership skills, which in turn can help them to reach some of the more senior positions in the service

Q: What happens after I complete my two years as a probationer?
A: You can get information on what happens during your probationary period and your options afterwards on the site under The Opportunities section.

Q: How long does the recruitment process take from application to appointment?
A: Generally, the recruitment process for the police service is about ten to twelve months, although this can differ from force to force. Check out our vacancies to find out more.

Q: Can I join the police service if I have been convicted of Grievous Bodily Harm (GBH) or Actual Bodily Harm (ABH)?
A: You are not acceptable if you have been convicted of any serious offence involving violence.

Q: Can I work with firearms within the police service?
A: You first need to join the police service as a regular police constable. Once you successfully complete your two-year probationary period, you can apply to be posted to one of the many specialist posts. Competition for entry into these posts is fierce and the job requirements are stricter than entry to the police service. For example, more stringent eyesight and fitness standards apply to these posts.

Q: I have driving convictions. Can I join the police service?
A: Your application will be rejected if you have been convicted for reckless or dangerous driving within the last ten years; one offence of drink/drugs driving or drunk in charge in the last ten years; more than one offence of drink/drugs driving or drunk in charge; other serious motoring offences within the last five years; more than three endorsable traffic convictions (including fixed penalties) within the last five years.

Q: Is there any upper limit on age for joining the police service?
A: The upper age limit for appointment is 55, but you need to bear in mind that the normal retirement age for police constables and sergeants is 60 years. You should also be aware that all new recruits are required to undertake a two-year probationary period.

Q: Will I be paid more than a standard entry recruit if I am selected as high potential?
A: No, you will earn the same as others in your rank. The High Potential Scheme gives you opportunities to enable you to develop more quickly.

Q: Do you have to be a graduate to apply to join the HPD scheme?
A: No. Anyone who has been made an offer for standard entry to the police service can apply.

Q: If I want to join the HPD scheme, do I have to join as a constable?
A: Yes, you will join as a constable and undergo standard training and probation. This ensures that you have a thorough grounding of police work.

Q: What benefits does the HPD scheme offer me that standard entry doesn't?
A: You will be offered a range of opportunities to develop your competence and realise your full potential, both in your current rank and the next rank. This includes training opportunities, 360° feedback assessments, performance development reviews and promotion assessments.

Q: I am a Commonwealth citizen. Can I join the police service?
A: To be eligible for appointment you must either be: 1. A British Citizen or a citizen of the EC or other states in the EEA (Iceland, Norway, Liechtenstein). If you are a member of the EC or other states in the EEA it is not essential that you currently reside in the UK. There are 15 EC member states: Ireland Finland Netherlands Belgium France Germany Luxembourg Portugal Spain Italy Denmark Sweden Greece Austria Or: 2. A Commonwealth citizen or other foreign nationals can apply but only if they are resident in the UK free of any restrictions.

Q: I am a foreign national. Can I join the UK police service?
A: To be eligible for appointment you must either be: 1. A British Citizen or a citizen of the EC or other states in the EEA (Iceland, Norway, Liechtenstein). If you are a member of the EC or other states in the EEA it is not essential that you currently reside in the UK. There are 15 EC member states: Ireland Finland Netherlands Belgium France Germany Luxembourg Portugal Spain Italy Denmark Sweden Greece Austria Or: 2. A Commonwealth citizen or other foreign nationals can apply but only if they are resident in the UK free of any restrictions.

Q: What are the nationality criteria for joining the police service?
A: To be eligible for appointment you must either be: 1. A British Citizen or a citizen of the EC or other states in the EEA (Iceland, Norway, Liechtenstein). If you are a member of the EC or other states in the EEA it is not essential that you currently reside in the UK. There are 15 EC member states: Ireland Finland Netherlands Belgium France Germany Luxembourg Portugal Spain Italy Denmark Sweden Greece Austria Or: 2. A Commonwealth citizen or other foreign nationals can apply but only if they are resident in the UK free of any restrictions.

Q: If I am underweight/overweight can I join the police service?
A: You should not be significantly over or underweight.

Q: Can people suffering from asthma join the police?
A: The Disability Discrimination Act now applies to police forces. All applicants are assessed on their individual circumstances. If you are successful at the assessment centre stage, you wil be invited to attend a medical test. If you have any questions about this, please contact the police force you made your application to.