Police Service
How to become a Police Officer
Requirements
In this flyer I will be looking at what is needed to become a Police Officer.
One of the most rigorous elements of our screening process is the physical fitness training. Because our officers must be able to move quickly while carrying a lot of heavy equipment, they have to be in pretty good shape.
Most of the time, the challenges you will face on the job will be mental rather than physical, requiring you to understand what makes people behave as they do, and to use that knowledge to form strong policing skills. But sometimes you will find yourself in situations where physical ability and quick reactions could save your life, and the lives of others.
Police officers receive very competitive pay and benefits packages. Rates of pay vary by force, generally starting at an annual rate of around £23,000, and rising with each year of experience. Officers in some forces receive additional allowances to complement their salary.
If you become a police officer you can expect:
- a flexible working schedule
- paid over-time
- a minimum of 23 days annual leave
- fully paid sick leave