Security, Armed Services and Emergency Services - Police Officer
Security, Armed Services and Emergency Services - Police Officer
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Police officers respond to incidents, investigate crimes and work closely with communities to keep them safe.
- Respond to calls for help from the public
- Investigate incidents, crimes and offences
- Collect witness statements, intelligence and evidence
- Interview suspects and make arrests
- Give evidence in court
- Control traffic and crowds at large public events and gatherings
- Advise the public on personal safety and crime prevention
As a Police Officer, you could work on a patrol or at a police station.
Your working environment may be outdoors in all weathers and physically and emotionally demanding and you may need to wear a uniform.
Police Officers tend to work between 37 to 40 hours a week. You could work evenings, weekends and bank holidays on shifts.
Starting: 拢29,000
Experienced: 拢46,000
You can get into this job through:
- a university course
- a college course
- an apprenticeship
- working towards this role
- applying directly
You can do a degree in any subject then apply for a place on one of the police entry programmes, such as:
Degree Holder Entry Programme
National Graduate Leadership Programme
Alternatively, you can complete a 3-year Professional Policing degree at a participating university. You are not guaranteed a job at the end of the course. Instead, you have to apply for police constable roles within 5 years of completing this degree.
You could do a college course to prepare for a direct application for police officer training or a degree apprenticeship, though this is not essential.
You could apply to do a Police Constable Level 6 Degree Apprenticeship. It's a 3-year work-based programme that leads to a degree in Professional Policing Practice.
You could get paid work as a police community support officer (PCSO) before applying for police officer training.
You can apply directly through the 2-year Police Constable Entry Programme (PCEP). You'll need 2 A levels or equivalent qualifications to apply.
If you're aged 13 to 18 you could become a police cadet. The skills you learn and experiences you gain will benefit you whatever career path you choose.