Careers don’t come more rewarding than this.

Tackling crime, taking knives off the streets, engaging and educating young people and being the person everyone looks towards for help. A Police Officer’s role is demanding and diverse – no two days are the same.

We’re looking for people who have the judgment to make quick decisions; are confident to be first person in; have the compassion and empathy to help those in need; who’ll have their colleagues back no matter what and the resilience to serve the community every single day.

You should consider whether you can: 

  • Deal with the complex and sensitive cases, requiring clear reasoning and evidence gathering.
  • Think on your feet – problem solving and responding to new challenges.
  • Develop new skills as data and technology become ever more important to policing.
  • Work well with colleagues as part of an effective team.
  • Have great people skills, remaining calm and patient with members of the public, particularly in stressful or volatile situations.
  • Handle traumatic situations and be able to communicate information sensitively.
  • Be decisive and use your police powers appropriately.
  • Give clear and accurate evidence in court.
  • Work shifts, nights and weekends (including public holidays).
  • Be flexible about where you work - you might not work in your preferred location.
  • Be willing and able to meet the academic demands and deadlines throughout the programme.  

You’ll receive training and support throughout your career to help you manage the demands of policing, but it’s important to be sure that becoming a police officer is right for you.

Take this quiz to find out if a career as a police officer might be right for you.

Which route is best for me?