Introduction
The degree holder entry programme to the Police is for graduates with a degree in any subject. At the end of the two year Degree Holder or Detective Degree Holder programme you will have gained a graduate diploma in professional policing and the opportunity to follow specialist pathways in neighbourhood policing and investigation. Each of the UK’s 45 regional police forces may recruit graduates within this framework so it’s best to check yourself for the region in which you may wish to be located as either a police officer or detective e.g. here’s the one for Cambridgeshire. Here’s a map of the regional forces.
Alternatively, Police Now, an independent social enterprise that works in collaboration with police forces across England and Wales, offers two award-winning national programmes for graduates. Graduates work on big societal issues, help create safer communities and drive a positive and fair internal culture in policing. Police Now programmes offer graduates a salary from day one while they train to become neighbourhood police officers or police detectives. Hear from Miriam, an Oxford Alum, who completed Police Now’s National Graduate Leadership Programme where she trained to become a neighbourhood police officer in the Metropolitan Police Service and is now an Acting Inspector. She shares her experiences of the programme and her aims to bring about positive change within the police and on the policing frontline.
The Join the Police website has an insightful ten point list of the key qualities required to succeed and a Quiz you can take to assess your suitability for yourself. However providing leadership in terms of crisis, keeping a calm and balanced approach and high levels of emotional resilience are basic requirements of such a front line role. For a list or conditions, benefits and graduate case studies use the Prospects job profile web pages.
Citizens in Policing provides advice on becoming a Special Constable or Police Support Volunteer for those interested.
Further study is not required although some graduates may undertake an MPhil in Criminology to broaden their subject knowledge and interest. Here’s details of the Cambridge MPhil as an example. Other courses are listed on the Prospects website.
No training course is expected in advance of joining a graduate scheme although those interested may find relevant material on www.udemy.com and www.coursera.org. You can see at a glance which of the 43 Police forces are recruiting at any time here.
You can see a combined list of all police jobs being advertised on the AllPoliceJobs website, for example here for Police Constables.
The application process is described on the Police Now website. The How2Become.com website publishes a range of paid for in depth guides to the application progress, preparing application material and handling interviews all of which may be helpful. Here’s their guide to Police Officer core competencies.
Once you have progressed successfully from the entry level programme you can apply to work in one of the many specialist units such as cyber crime, fire arms, fraud squad, traffic and more. Career progression within the ranks of the Police is managed within the guidelines set down in the promotion process framework.
There is a useful breakdown of different roles in the Police on the Joining the Police website.
Now you have looked at this page, think about your next steps. Everyone's journey is different. There are many ways to move forward. Here are some actions you could take now:
- Look for roles using the resources above.
- Talk to alumni working in this field via Handshake or LinkedIn.
- Talk to a Careers Consultant - book a 1:1 appointment through Handshake.
- Attend events - watch for relevant events.
- Ready to apply? Use the CV and cover letter guide to draft a CV or an application. CareerSet is a tool you can use to review your CV and cover letter. Write a speculative application.