How to become a police officer

Police officers represent the law in the community. They provide a visible presence, working to prevent crime and identify those who break the law, protecting people and property.

There are three routes into the police force, depending on your qualifications and experience.

Police Constable Degree Apprenticeship (PCDA). Over a period of three years you’ll learn on the job while receiving a salary. To get started you’ll need a Level 3 qualification (an A-level or equivalent) or relevant work experience.

As a graduate you can apply for a two-year work-based training programme. Although the police accept graduates in any subject, a degree in criminology will give you an understanding of why people commit crimes and the impact on society. Graduate training combines on- the-job and off-the-job learning, during which you’ll be paid by the force, leading to a graduate diploma in professional policing practices.

You could undertake a self-funded, three-year degree in professional policing. Graduating doesn’t automatically allow you to join the force – you’ll still need to apply for a job as a probationary police constable within five years of graduating.

What would I do as a police officer?

As a police officer you’ll play a vital role in the community, working for the safety and security of the public you serve.

Policing is a demanding but highly rewarding job. Officers work under high pressure a lot of the time, with constant demands on their time and resources. The work can be physically and emotionally demanding, and even at times potentially dangerous.

Typically, your duties could include:

• Carrying out routine patrols around the community, providing a visible presence and support
• Responding to calls for assistance from the public – following up reports of crimes, and attending incidents such as road accidents
• Defusing conflicts and confrontations such as domestic incidents or public disorder
• Dealing with sensitive situations such as delivering news of a death, or sexual crimes
• In the case of crimes committed, conducting investigations, gathering evidence, and interviewing victims, witnesses and suspects
• Carrying out lawful arrests with due regard for the safety of members of the public, fellow officers and detainees
• Preparing crime reports and compiling case files
• Attending and giving evidence in court
• Building relationships within the community to understand where crimes happen, who commits them and how they can be prevented
• Liaising with members of the criminal justice system, social workers, schools, local businesses, health trusts and community groups to provide advice, education and assistance
  

What are the typical working hours for a police officer?

Police officers typically work in eight-hour shifts, totalling an average of 40 hours per week. But policing is a round-the-clock service and officers will be expected to work unsocial hours and be on call for emergencies and extra shifts as required. Some forces pay overtime for extra hours worked.