Police constables, often referred to as police officers, serve the community. They aim to protect life and property, preserve order, prevent and investigate crime, and detect and prosecute offenders.

After a period of training, police constables can work as uniformed constables on the beat (either on foot or in a patrol car) or on police station duties. The work of a constable on police station duties can include: 

• custodial duties
• working on the reception desk, dealing with the public  
• working in the communications room in two-way contact with officers on the beat.

Police constables undertake a range of tasks, including:

• responding to calls for assistance from the public
• making enquiries into crimes and offences and making arrests
• interviewing witnesses and suspects, preparing crime reports and taking statements
• searching for missing persons
• giving evidence in court
• attending accidents and fires
• policing large public events, concerts and demonstrations
• visiting schools to give talks.

The police force is made up of local, regional police services and non geographic police forces (such as the Ministry of Defence Police, or Central Motorway Police Group). Police officers who have successfully completed their probationary period as a constable can specialise and work in areas such as:

• CID
• Special Branch
• Mounted Police
• Drug Squad
• Child Protection
• Traffic Police
• River Police
• Underwater Police.

Hours and Environment

Police constables normally work 40 hours a week on a shift system which can include nights, with two rest days each week. Constables would usually be expected to work weekends and public holidays. Overtime is often available. You can apply to join the police force on a part-time basis.

Constables can spend much of their time outdoors on foot, in a patrol car or on a motorcycle. Work indoors is in a police station, a court of law, or on private or business premises.

Skills and Interests

To be a police constable you should:

• be honest, confident and socially aware, with a mature attitude
• be able to weigh up a situation, react quickly and take positive action
• be resilient and able to remain calm in sometimes life-threatening situations
• have the ability to work alone or in a team and to communicate clearly
• have courage, initiative and common sense
• be physically fit to deal with incidents and disturbances
• be literate, able to record details of incidents and arrests accurately
• be firm, yet tactful and able to show tolerance and courtesy to the public
• have the ability to be disciplined, and able to give and receive instructions.

Entry

There are no set academic entry requirements that need to be met in order to join the police force. However, you will go through a rigorous selection process. 

The selection process involves a series of tests covering numeracy, literacy, information handling and reasoning. You will also undergo psychometric, physical and medical fitness and eyesight tests.

To apply to join the police, you need to:

• be a British citizen, citizen of the EU or other EEA, a Commonwealth citizen or foreign national with indefinite leave to remain in the UK 
• be at least aged 18 years old
• satisfy a background and security check and declare any previous convictions
• have above average physical fitness, with good vision and colour vision (with or without glasses or contact lenses).

In England, Wales and Northern Ireland, once you have been accepted into the police through the standard entry route you may be able to join the High Potential Development Scheme (HPD). This programme is designed to develop future leaders within the police force. You do not need to hold a degree, however, academic study plays an important role within this training programme. Serving officers can also apply. 

There is no upper age limit for joining the police, however, the usual age for retirement is 55 for constables and sergeants, and the probationary period for new recruits is two years. Some forces across the UK may set there own limits.

Note: Police recruitment is handled by individual police forces and eligibility criteria can vary throughout the UK. For precise details, check with your local force listed on the Police Portal website in the Further Information section.

Training

The probationary period for police constables across the UK is two years.

As a new recruit you will spend the first few months training on the job within your local force, and studying at a police college.

The police probationer training scheme in England, Wales and Northern Ireland is known as the Initial Police Learning and Development Programme (IPLDP). IPLDP includes training in community safety and partnership, supervised and independent patrolling.

During the two year probationary period you will work towards NVQ Level 3 in Policing. You will also be expected to achieve NVQ Level 4 in Policing either during or shortly after this period. These awards cover areas such as communicating with the public, conducting investigations, presenting evidence in court, and interviewing witnesses, victims and suspects.

As a police constable seeking promotion, there are further NVQs available which may help you with this. Qualifications include:

• Level 3 in Police Supervisory Management
• Level 4 in Police Organisational Management
• Level 4 in Police Operational Management
• Level 5 in Police Strategic Management.

During your time as a police constable you will be expected to keep your skills up to date and take part in relevant training as necessary. You will be monitored throughout your career.

In Scotland recruits attend a 15 week Initial Training Course at the Scottish Police College, which covers all aspects of police work. This is followed by further training courses spread over the two year probation period.

Opportunities

The police service consists of approximately 52 forces throughout the UK.

There are frequent promotion opportunities available within the police because all higher rank positions are filled from within the existing police service.

As a police constable you will usually have the opportunity to specialise in one of a number of branches such as the traffic police, the fraud squad or underwater search units.

A High Potential Development Scheme (HPD) exists to enable talented members of the police to take advantage of fast track promotion opportunities. This programme is open to new recruits (as mentioned in the Entry section) as well as serving officers. This scheme aims to identify those with strong leadership qualities who have the potential to be the leaders of the future.

In Scotland, graduates who have successfully completed the two year probationary period, and can demonstrate leadership and management potential may have access to an Accelerated Promotion Scheme. This programme aims to provide a fast track into senior management positions.

Annual Income

Figures are intended as guideline only. Salaries can vary between police forces.

The starting salary of a police constable is generally between £20,000 and £22,000 a year. 
With several years experience, earnings can reach around £30,000.
A sergeant can earn up to £36,000.
Inspectors can earn up to around £44,500.

There may be extra pay for working overtime. Police constables working in the London area may receive an additional cost of living allowance.

Further information

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