Protect every journey
Application guidance.
Once you’ve made the decision to join us and applied for the role you’re interested in, the application process begins. The stages you’ll have to go through depend on the type of role you’ve applied for.
The recruitment process to become a Police Officer can be fairly lengthy. We ensure you are updated at every stage of the process. However, it’s important you are aware the process can take a considerable amount of time before joining an intake.
The Application Process
Your application will initially be screened to ensure that you meet the minimum eligibility requirements. Once this has been satisfied, the information you have provided in the application form will be assessed.
A high standard of written communication skills are a requirement to working with us. If your application form contains an unreasonable number of spelling or grammatical errors, then your application will be unsuccessful.
As part of the recruitment process, candidates will complete a Situational Judgement Test (SJT) designed to assess how they would respond to situations they may encounter as a police officer.
The SJT presents a range of realistic workplace and policing-related scenarios and asks candidates to identify the most appropriate actions or responses. The assessment is designed to measure behaviours and qualities that are important for effective policing, including decision-making, integrity, teamwork, communication and professionalism.
There are no trick questions, and no previous policing experience is required. We encourage candidates to answer honestly and select the responses that best reflect how they would approach each situation.
Successful completion of the SJT is required to progress to the next stage of the recruitment process.
We’re looking for evidence of the qualities you have to enable you to carry out your role. We’ll assess your application form answers against the Competency and values framework (CVF) If your application is successful, you’ll be invited to take online tests covering maths, word usage and verbal reasoning.
More information on the CVF can be found here.
As part of the recruitment process, some candidates may be required to complete online assessments.
Candidates who do not hold GCSE Grade 4 (C) or above in English Language and Maths, or an accepted equivalent qualification, will be required to undertake online English and Maths assessments to demonstrate the required standard.
All candidates will also complete a video-based assessment designed to assess key skills required for policing. This assessment will test your ability to observe and interpret information, as well as your written communication skills and judgement when responding to policing-related scenarios.
The assessments are completed online and full guidance will be provided before you begin. We encourage candidates to complete all assessments independently and in a suitable environment free from distractions, ensuring they have the best opportunity to demonstrate their abilities.
Once you have successfully completed the online tests, you’ll be invited to attend an assessment centre. The day comprises of:
- A one-hour competency-based interview and presentation
- A Job-Related Fitness Test (JRFT) – a beep test to level 5.4
- Uniform measurements
You’ll also have samples taken (mouth swab and fingerprints) for the purpose of biometric vetting.
Once you have been given a conditional offer, you will go through the full vetting process. This will include employment reference checks as well as our own baseline vetting. You’ll receive your offer letter or contract once these security checks have been successfully completed.
You’ll also be asked to attend a comprehensive medical assessment, which will be conducted by a doctor or registered nurse. The medical assessment is thorough and includes checks of your eyesight, hearing, blood pressure and body mass This will help us to determine whether or not you have the level of health that is required for the role. You will also be required to pass a drugs and alcohol test.
