Frequently asked questions
Key questions and answers for those thinking of applying to become a Police Officer.
The Demand Hub is based at our headquarters, in Huntingdon.
There is a core shift pattern covering 24hrs a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. The shift pattern includes earlies, lates and nights and a training day every ten weeks.
Although the initial training period needs to be undertaken on a full time rota, once on shift there are opportunities to work part-time, utilising a ‘half’ or ‘two-thirds’ of the full time shift pattern. This can be discussed at interview.
There are over 100 people working in the Contact Centre which is a mixture of Police Staff Call Handlers, Police Officer Call Handlers, Supervisors and Managers.
Yes. There are no height requirements to join.
Many of our applicants have medical conditions and they do not necessarily stop you from becoming a police officer. If you would like to discuss your condition and eligibility prior to applying, please email our recruitment team at [email protected]
You can join but not currently in a police officer role. We are exploring ways in which we can accommodate wheelchair users in police officer roles.
Absolutely, we have many brilliant dyslexic officers. We will ensure as soon as you arrive you have the support and adjustments you require.
No, you are a police officer first and you complete your policing degree in your first three years whilst learning the role. You have protected learning time within your first three years to complete study, assignments etc, but some occasional study may be required in your own time.
For the apprenticeship route you need GCSE English and maths, grade A-C/4-9) or Level 2 Functional Skills and 32 or more UCAS points, which are Level 3 qualifications (A-levels, BTECS, NVQs). If you don’t have Level 3 qualifications, we also accept career/work experience in certain roles. For the degree entry programme, you are required to hold a degree in any subject.
Yes, the force will give you protected learning time within your first three years to support you in completing your degree, however, occasional work in your own time may be required.
We recommend learndirect as a supplier to gain your Level 2. How quickly you can complete them will depend on your time. It is generally online/home study and the cost can vary so please go to the learndirect website.
We try to accommodate your wishes, however, we do have to meet operational need and you could be based anywhere in the county throughout your career.
Six to nine months.
20 per cent of the three-year programme is dedicated to study. You can find out more on the Anglia Ruskin University Website.
Yes, however, you will need a manual licence before you can join us.
We look at every candidate individually and mental health issues are not necessarily a barrier.
You can join as a regular police officer through one of the new routes and then move into a detective role after your probation, or you could join through our Accelerated Detective Entry route
Convictions do not preclude you from applying and every application is assessed individually, however, you must pass vetting.
If you don’t have A-levels and you’re applying for the PCDA then four years in the armed forces will be taken into account. More details on our new routes into policing pages.
We do require at least these grades in these subjects. Help and support is available on GOV.UK.
Yes, however, family associations and convictions don’t necessarily preclude you.
These courses are a good introduction, but they must be at Level 3 to qualify for our degree apprenticeship, ensuring you also have the Level 2 in Maths & English.
Within four weeks but we try to be quicker.
We would ask you to send in photos because they cannot be offensive and will be dealt with individually. We also restrict piercings whilst on duty for safety reasons.
You can apply at 17 but you cannot become a warranted police officer until you turn 18. There is no upper limit, however, you must be medically fit to undertake the role and pension kicks in at 60.
You need to have the right to remain and work in the UK and have resided here for at least three years, unless this is overseas service with the armed forces.
You can reapply six months after failing any part of the application process.
During application, you will be given an eyesight form to be completed by your optician and sent back along with a medical questionnaire. You must meet vision standards for corrected vision (that is your vision with glasses or lenses). We will require your glasses prescription.
If you are worried about eyesight, you should ask someone with good vision to assess whether you can read a number plate from 20 metres (with corrective aids if you already use them).
If you are struggling with debt, you may still be able to apply. You just need to supply us with evidence of your ability to manage your debts successfully. However, if you have any existing county court judgments or are an undischarged bankrupt or have been declared bankrupt within the past three years, then you are automatically ineligible.
Research the role and the force. A ride-along would also be beneficial. We have a Positive Action team which is involved in the attraction and engagement of applicants and provides support through each step of the process.
Yes. Applicants will need to be in possession of a full manual driving licence.
In most cases this will be possible provided your diabetes is well managed, blood sugar control is satisfactory and most importantly, you are not prone to hypoglycaemic episodes requiring assistance from a third party. Restrictions to driving may be required. This will be assessed on a case-by-case basis.
This is often not a barrier, if you can fulfil the role safely. You need to hear sufficiently well to understand information and instructions given verbally and often in noisy environments or via a radio.
A hearing test without your hearing aids will be conducted at the time of your medical. If you do not meet the Home Office standards for hearing you will be referred for a Functional Hearing Test.
Our BMI standard is based on the Home Office police standards and College of Policing guidelines.
We will measure your BMI/body fat and waist/hip ratio and anyone over the standards will be referred to the fit to proceed panel (FTPP), with your consent, so the force can make the overall decision on whether to proceed to appointment or whether it is advised that you attempt to lose weight.
Candidates with BMI up to 35 will be allowed to proceed to medical if you have no impaired functional capacity. Candidates with BMI above 35, with no associated risk factors or impaired functional capacity, will be referred to FTPP following medical.
Candidates with BMI above 35, with associated risk factors such as high blood pressure, diabetes etc, will be advised to address lifestyle issues and be reviewed by in three months. If no improvement, then you will be referred to FTPP following medical.
You have an obligation to truthfully declare all relevant health conditions, even if your mental health has been stable for a long period of time. The force places great emphasis on truthfulness and personal integrity. As such, any failure to withhold relevant health information can have serious consequences.
You may still be able to join but might require reasonable adjustments under the Equality Act. It would be very helpful to see the report from when you had your diagnostic assessment. Such reports often come with a list of recommended adjustments. If you believe you may be on the autistic spectrum you should undergo an assessment before you apply. While reasonable adjustments will be considered you should be able to effectively interact with members of the public and be able to take an empathetic approach.
Many employees with disability will not need any workplace adjustments. Some may need only minor changes or adjustments to their work hours or the performance requirements of the job, while others may require specific equipment or some structural change to the workplace.
This means you should still be able to perform an operational role, despite the need for certain adjustments. In other words, you should be able to safely chase after and arrest a suspect and be able to drive a car and make critical decisions under pressure.
Reasonable adjustments that could be considered include:
- extra time (within reason) to complete written assignments or to take statements
- adjustments to workload
- adjustments to the shift pattern.
This list will be decided on a case-by-case basis and depends on the disability.
Once you have applied and met the eligibility criteria you will be sent a link to the Policing Pathways App.
The app, created in Cambridgeshire, supports you through the recruitment process. It provides guidance on the various stages and helps you to prepare.
Other features include:
- Policing stories focusing on real police officers.
- Introductions to the constabulary.
- Support and guidance around fitness.
- Opportunities for career progression.