Police Job Vacancies

Are you looking for a job where each day poses a fresh challenge? Are you perhaps looking for a role where the work you do can really make a difference? If the answer is “yes” then consider applying for a job vacancy with the Police.

The aim of the Police is simple, and their message is “To cut crime and to reduce the fear of crime”. There are numerous roles available with the Police, and all are vital in helping the force achieve this goal.

Police Officer Job Vacancies

Becoming a Police Officer in one of the worlds most respected Police Forces is an achievement in itself. The Police Force will only recruit men and women who successfully complete an extensive assessment, which includes a fitness test, eye test and thorough medical examination. As you would expect, references are checked and an investigation into your background will be completed, along with a security check.

The role of Police Officer is undoubtedly varied and unpredictable, but for many, this is what makes the job so interesting and rewarding. On the job training is extensive and you will learn new skills throughout your career in the best ways to combat crime.

Training is provided in areas such as:

• Protecting the public from violence.
• Providing a reassuring presence in the local community.
• Supporting victims of crime or those who have witnessed crime with both professionalism and compassion.
• Investigation techniques using new technology and more “tried and tested” methods.

Many Police Offices confirm that their day-to-day duties include a mix of physical and mental work coupled with an element of paperwork. Some of this work can be dangerous, and other times high levels of adrenaline need to be replaced with a high level of compassion and sensitivity. Few jobs offer such a mix, which is why many people who join the Police Force remain with them throughout their working life.

Police Officer Job Vacancies – Pay and Benefits

For undertake such a demanding role, Police Officers are rewarded with a generous financial package.

The salary for a new recruit starts at around £20,000 and varies by location. This salary increases with each year of experience.

In addition to the basic salary, a Police Officer is entitled to join the enviable pension plan, over-time is paid, there is an entitlement to sick pay, 23 days holiday and a flexible working programme.

Promotion is something each Police Office can work towards if desired. The Police Force has a proven track record in promoting from within, as the best candidates for the job will know the area, the force and will have received relevant training from the force.

Am I Eligible to Apply?

There are some basic requirements which you must fully understand before applying for a job with the Police Force as a Police Officer, with the following being mandatory:

• Minimum age 18 years, normal retirement age 60 years.
• A two year probationary period will commence on your first day in the job.
• No min or max height requirements.
• No formal qualifications required, but you will have to pass a written test during the assessment centre.

Citizenship – You must be one of the following:

• British Citizen.
• Citizen of the EU.
• Commonwealth citizen or foreign national with indefinite leave to remain in the UK.

Previous convictions – Minor convictions may be ignored, but if you have any major criminal convictions your application may be rejected.

Physical and mental strength. Your ability to undertake the demanding work you will be faced with will be assessed. The fitness test can be undertaken up to 3 times, but if you fail all three you will not proceed beyond the application stage.

Tattoos and piercings may not be acceptable, particularly where visible.

Police Community Support (PCSO) Job Vacancies

Started as a relatively new initiative, the role of Police Community Support Officer (PCSO) is becoming a vital part of the Police Force. The main function of this role is to providing support to local communities by offering visible presence. Tacking anti social behaviour is a common task and PCSO’s are also required to help Police Officers at more major crime scenes.

A Police Community Support Officer does not have the same authority as a Police Officer, but they are responsible for tasks such as:

• Dealing with minor offences.
• Working with those likely to commit minor offences before the crime has occurred in the hope of deterring them.
• Providing front-line policing support.
• Assisting with house-to-house enquiries.
• Guarding the scene of a crime.
• Providing crime prevention advice to the local community or individuals at risk.

A job as a Police Community Support Officer is paid and usually full time. It is a great stepping-stone for becoming a fully-fledged Police Officer.

Police Community Support Officer Job Vacancies – Pay and Benefits

As already mentioned, the role of PCSO is fully paid, and you can expect to receive around £16,000 when you start this job (more in London). As with Police Officers, this salary increases with time as you gain more experience. You can also expect to receive paid overtime, 21 days paid holiday and fully paid sick leave.

Am I Eligible to Apply?

Police Community Support Officers will not need to undertake the rigorous fitness test that Police Officers undertake. However, much of the eligibility criteria set for a Police Officer also applies when applying for the role of PCSO.

You should also bear in mind that you should be physically fit enough to spend much of your time on foot patrol. As much of your role will involve close work with members of your local community you should also be able to communicate with others well, be tolerant and have a degree of patience when dealing with abusive/drunk people.

Police Special Constable Job Vacancies

Volunteering With The Police Force

If you are looking to give something back to your community and can work on a voluntary basis, then consider applying for the role of Police Special Constable.

A Police Special Constable is a trained volunteer, who provides support to the local Police Force for a minimum of four hours per week.

Applicants from all walks of life are invited to apply for this challenging and interesting role. If you are interested in becoming a regular Police Officer then becoming a Police Support Officer first gives you a great insight into the Force, and the role you will be required to undertake.

How do I apply for a Job Vacancy with the Police?

The Police Force has a superb website, which allows you to apply for a job as a Police Officer, Police Community Support Officer or Police Special Constable. You can search for vacancies by location, and as the Police Force cover every inch of the UK you are guaranteed to find a force close by.

The Police Force also regularly host recruitment drives, so check with your local force to see when their next event will be.

You should also keep a close eye on your local newspaper, as many forces still chose to advertise their vacancies in the classified jobs section.

Alternatively, approach your local Police Force directly and ask if there are any job vacancies open for application. Don’t forget, if there are no live job vacancies for Police Officers with your local Force, you should consider becoming a volunteer Police Special Constable. You may be considered more favourably when a vacancy does become available, and you will also have developed a network of useful contacts within the Force and a greater understanding of what the role requires.