Protect every journey
Re-joiners
Re-Join Policing with BTP – Bring Your Experience Back to the Front Line
At the British Transport Police (BTP), we recognise and deeply value the skills, experience and insight that former Police Officers bring. That’s why we actively welcome applications from retired officers and those looking to return to the policing community.
Whether you’ve recently retired or have taken time away from policing, your background and expertise can make an immediate and meaningful impact. Our commitment to attracting experienced officers is rooted in the belief that policing benefits enormously from people who already understand the demands, responsibilities and values of the role.
Thinking of returning after retirement?
There’s no longer an upper age limit for Police Officer recruitment at BTP. This means retired officers can now return to service while continuing to draw their police pension—and earn a competitive salary on top. It’s an excellent opportunity to stay connected to a career you care about, without compromising on financial security.
Previously served in another force?
Former officers re-joining from other forces can transfer their previous pay scale and annual leave entitlements, making the transition smoother and fairer. Your prior service is recognised and respected from day one.
Diversity and Inclusion:
At BTP, diversity, equity and inclusion are at the core of our mission as guardians of the railway. We believe that a diverse team drives innovation, sparks creativity, and leads to better decision-making. Our vacancies are open to every candidate, with appointments based solely on merit. We are committed to working with you to meet your unique needs, ensuring you can reach your full potential. If you share our values and possess the skills and experience, we warmly invite you to join our inclusive team.
If you're keen on extending your policing career post-retirement or relaunching your journey as a Police Officer, apply today! Our current vacancies can be found here.
Eligibility Criteria
- Previous service as an Officer in a Home Office Force within 5 years of application.
- Resignation or retirement from your previous Force.
- Completion of the full probationary period at your previous force.
- No history of unsatisfactory performance reviews, action plans, or live warnings upon exit.
- If resigned under investigation, contact the recruitment team before applying.
FAQs
What rank can I transfer in?
- We primarily recruit at the rank of Police Constable but occasionally do recruit at Sergeant rank and above
Can I re-join at my previous rank?
- Re-joining at your previous rank is possible if there is a vacancy available otherwise, you are welcome to apply for Constable rank vacancies
Do you accept applications for part time Police Officers?
- We will consider part time working on a case-by-case basis. Please contact recruitment before submitting an application who will confirm whether we can support your request
Do I need a break in service after retirement?
- Applicants joining us from Home Office Forces do not require a break in service
I am due to retire, when should I apply?
- We recommend you apply within 6 months of retirement date
What is a talent pool vacancy?
- We either recruit for specific vacancies or for our talent pool. Successful candidates who come through the talent pool route will be held until a suitable vacancy arises
What roles do you recruit to?
- We predominantly recruit to our HUB and Response teams but we also recruit for CID, Firearms, NPT and Tasking Teams. Occasionally we may recruit for other specialist posts ad-hoc
What are the shift patterns?
- Our shift patterns vary from station to station. If you contact the recruitment team with preferred posting location they will be able to provide an example shift pattern
Can I organise an informal meeting with a local team before application?
- Absolutely, please contact the recruitment team prior to application
Diversity and Inclusion:
At BTP, diversity, equity and inclusion are at the core of our mission as guardians of the railway. We believe that a diverse team drives innovation, sparks creativity, and leads to better decision-making. Our vacancies are open to every candidate, with appointments based solely on merit. We are committed to working with you to meet your unique needs, ensuring you can reach your full potential. If you share our values and possess the skills and experience, we warmly invite you to join our inclusive team.
Benefits
We’re passionate about recognising and rewarding those who help us protect every journey. It’s you who makes the difference, so our benefits are designed with you in mind. Take a look at what’s on offer:
Pension
We offer a generous pension scheme to all of our employees.
Transferees/Re-joiners will be auto enrolled into our CARE scheme however, you are able to opt out if you wish. It’s important that, as a Transferee/Re-joiner, you understand the implications associated with moving Forces in relation to your pension therefore we suggest you contact your current pension provider and also submit a request to BTP pensions via Pension-queries@btp.police.uk
Blue Light card
A Blue Light Card costs £4.99 for two years and gives you access to a range of discounts, both online and on the high street.
Annual leave
Police Officers are entitled to 22 days annual leave rising to 25 days annual leave after two years’ service (maximum of 30 days annual leave with 20 years’ service).
As a Transferee/re-joiner we value your experience and we will calculate your annual leave on joining BTP based on length of service.
Maternity, paternity and adoption leave
26 weeks full pay maternity and adoption leave after a qualifying period. Paid paternity leave.
Transport Benevolent Fund
A charity to support employees in the public transport industry for a small monthly payment.
Cycle to work scheme
You’ll have the opportunity to hire a bicycle from us to cycle to work and you won’t pay national insurance or tax contributions on what you spend up to £1,000.
Travel on duty
All Police Officers and Special Constables are entitled to free travel on all National Rail services when on duty, whether or not they are in uniform. Entitlement to travel is granted by the warrant card which must be shown on request, even if wearing BTP uniform.
Oyster cards
Issued to Police Officers and Special Constables in London for duty, travel to and from work and leisure
Not valid on National Rail Services (TfL services only)
London Ferry Bus Service (Clipper services) and Emirates excluded.
Travel
Subject to eligibility, police officers can apply for a residential pass or privilege season ticket for rail travel between their home and principal work location. Police staff may be eligible to apply for an interest free annual season ticket loan which is repayable by ten equal instalments through your salary.
Health and wellbeing benefits
Employee assistance
BTP’s employee assistance programme is a free, confidential service which supports our employees in resolving personal problems and improving their overall wellbeing.
Wellbeing hub
Internal knowledge hub containing news, information and resources on a variety of topics, wellbeing events and details of all our support services.
Private medical healthcare
Private health insurance is available to Superintendents and Police staff in grades C003 and C004 and above and their families.
Eye care provision
Computer users are entitled to eye care examinations and glasses paid for by BTP.
CSSC Sports and Leisure
A not-for-profit organisation positively promoting health and wellbeing in the workplace.
Insurance
Preferential rates from Police Mutual available.
Armed Forces Covenant
We are silver accredited under the Armed Forces Covenant and we support Territorial forces reservists, including paid time off to participate in training.
Training
When you re-join or transfer to us, you’ll attend an induction course that lasts three weeks at our training centre in London. Accommodation and travel is provided for those that require it. This course will cover all the mandatory Police Officer training including Personal Safety, First Aid and Track Safety.
If your new role is within a specialist team, then your division will provide any further training needed. Re-joiners may be asked to complete additional training if after assessment, it is decided that you have been away from policing for an extended period of time and your training needs are not covered sufficiently within the induction course. This will always be assessed on a case-by-case basis.
We’re committed to your continued development and career progression and will give you all the support you need. In fact, you’ll attend various internal and external training courses so that you can develop the skills you need to progress through the ranks.
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.
All officer assessments within BTP are conducted against the College of Policing’s Competencies and Values Framework (CVF).
Further information regarding the CVF can be found on the College of Policing website.
This will include employment reference checks and vetting.
BTP conduct their own vetting, so despite being vetted with your home office force, you will still be required to undergo BTP vetting as part of the recruitment process. Please note that some roles do require higher levels of vetting which will be communicated to you at application stage.
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.
We understand that it's only natural to want to prepare for the recruitment process to support you through both your application, we occasionally hold application and assessment centre workshops.
Eligibility
Before you make the decision to apply, you’ll need to make sure that you meet our eligibility criteria.
To join us, you must have the permanent right to live and work in the UK without any restrictions.
All applicants must have been a resident in the UK for the last 3 -5 years, dependant on the level of vetting required for the role you are apply for.
This is required to ensure we can conduct adequate vetting checks and applies equally to all applicants, regardless of nationality.
You will not be eligible to apply if you have ever received a prison sentence.
All other cautions, convictions and involvement with the police must be declared during the vetting process. This will not necessarily result in your application being withdrawn, as all applications will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.
As part of your checks we will verify your financial position. Employees hold a privileged position and have access to a range of sensitive and valuable information. Potentially, this means employees are a heightened risk of being vulnerable to corruption. This means, applicants must to be free from the pressure of undischarged debts or liabilities and to be able to manage loans and debts sensibly.
Tattoos are considered on a case-by-case basis if:
- They are on your face
- Above the collar line on the front or side of your neck,
- Are large on the back of your neck and cannot be easily covered
- They could be considered in any way offensive, regardless of their location.
Tattoos are considered if:
- Visible tattoos are permissible on other areas of the body including hands, arms, legs, feet and on the back of the neck (providing the tattoo is discreet and behind the ear lobe).
- Discreet tattoos on the ear are also considered acceptable.
- Consideration will be given to tattoos on the face that were necessary following medical procedures or for cosmetic procedures e.g. eyebrows.
You are encouraged to contact the recruitment team if you are at all unsure about your tattoos and we will advise you wherever possible.
You can do this by emailing us.
Contact us
You have to be able to conduct your role and responsibilities impartially and effectively. This means if you are currently, or have even been, associated with any group, society or individuals that could reasonably represent a conflict of interest, then you will not be eligible to apply.
You will need to declare any other employment or business interest you have and intend to maintain so that this can be reviewed to ensure no conflict of interest.
You will not normally be eligible for appointment as a Police Officer if you hold any other office or employment for hire or gain, or if you carry on any business in addition to being a Police Officer.
Our employees may encounter situations that can be stressful, traumatic and at times, physically confrontational. Our people can work long hours and cover rotating shifts, so the role can be physically and mentally demanding. Therefore, it is important our employees are in good health to be able to undertake their duties safely.
To ensure we can support our employees’ wellbeing, we’ll ask you to provide relevant details of your health and medical history in accordance with any questions we have to ask during the application process.
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