Recruitment
Entry requirements vary from one force to another.
Age. The minimum age for appointment as a constable is 18 1/2 although some forces have a higher minimum age. There is no upper limit.
Qualifications. Candidates should have achieved a good educational standard. However, regardless of educational attainment there is an entrance test which is taken by all candidates. This Initial Recruitment Test helps to identify whether you have the skills for the job. It consists of five separately timed tests each designed to measure a different ability. These are:
the ability to spell words and construct sentences properly;
the ability to check information quickly and correctly;
the ability to solve numerical problems accurately;
the ability to reason logically when given facts about events;
the ability to observe scenes carefully and recall details accurately.
Physical fitness. If you are thinking of joining the Police Service you must be physically fit. Before appointment all candidates are medically examined and must be certified by a registered medical practitioner, approved by the police authority, as being in good health, of sound constitution, and fitted both physically and mentally to perform the duties of a constable.
Eyesight. Good eyesight is important and all forces require a high standard of eyesight. No force can accept candidates with only one eye or those who suffer from squint or other morbid conditions of the eyes (or lids of either eye). Applicants are normally required to produce an optician’s test certificate issued within the preceding 12 months.
Most forces will accept a candidate who wears contact lenses or glasses. Colour vision is also important and no force will accept a candidate who is unable to distinguish the principal colours - red, green and violet.
Nationality. Applicants to the Police Service are required to be British citizens, or Commonwealth citizens whose stay in the United Kingdom is not subject to restrictions, or citizens of the Irish Republic.
Height. There are no minimum or maximum height requirements.
Criminal record. When making an application for appointment to any chief officer of police you should mention any criminal record which you have.
As a new recruit you will be given the training necessary to equip you for the job. All police officers do basic training and have a two year probation. Initial training comprises a two year modular system. The two year training cycle is outlined below.
One and a half weeks at your force’s local centre being given basic information and time to discuss hopes and fears in relation to the job.
Two and a half weeks at a police station giving you a chance to observe the working environment.
A ten week residential course at a national police training centre where you learn and are trained in relation to the professional and personal skills and abilities you need for the job. (Everything from community awareness to punctuality!)
Five weeks on the beat with a tutor constable guiding you through incidents, procedures and paperwork.
Additional training and skills learning at a national police training centre through simulation exercises and classwork.
Back to the police station for five weeks with a tutor constable.
Later you will go on individual patrol.
Promotion. Promotion opportunities exist for all police officers. After their first two years as a probationary constable, officers can work towards their sergeant and then their inspector exams with the help of an excellent training programme.
