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National Graduate Programme

A graduate career to change lives for the better.

Join our National Graduate Programme. Make a real impact.

About the programme
Diversity in action

Build a diverse future in policing.

Join over 3,500 Police Now graduates shaping policing across England and Wales.

Why Police Now
Build trust in policing

Every community deserves officers they can trust.

Become a leader and build safer communities.

About Police Now

Kickstart your career

Applications for our National Graduate Programme close in

Days
Submit your application by 31st July.
REGISTER YOUR INTEREST
APPLY NOW

Applications open in

Days
Get ready, get set, and join us. Change the story.
REGISTER YOUR INTEREST
APPLY NOW

Applications for our 2026 National Graduate Programme are now open!

Get ready, get set, and join us. Change the story.
REGISTER YOUR INTEREST
APPLY NOW

Choose a career where you can have a positive impact in communities

Police Now is the UK’s only national graduate programme into policing. We recruit and train graduates to become frontline police officers and detectives, tackling crime and transforming communities.

Who we are

We recruit graduates into policing.

Female Police Now participant Sim

About Police Now

What you get

Times Top 100
graduate programme.

Times Top 100 Graduate Employers logo

About the programme

Why it’s important

Become a leader, impact society.

Female Police Now participant Tary

Police Now's impact

What's in it for you?

Elevate your career and your impact in communities through our award winning graduate programme.

Starting salary of £29,907 – £40,776

Starting salary depends on location. Your salary will increase each year up to £48,231 – £57,843 within seven years. On promotion to the next police rank, Sergeant, you can earn a starting salary of £51,000 – £61,000.

Dedicated development coach

Accelerate your career with your own performance and development coach throughout the programme.

Career progression

Climb the ranks, move into other roles and specialisms, or work on policing priorities such as Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG). 

Award-winning training

Learn to solve real-world problems and build safer streets through our innovative Times Top 100 graduate progamme.

A rewarding pension

Secure a generous retirement package through the Police Pension Scheme 2015. The pension scheme is set up to reward you for your dedication and service to the public.

A peer network of change-makers

Be part of a bold, diverse network of over 3,500 Police Now alumni in England and Wales.

Is the programme right for you?

You’ve got the skills to change communities for the better.
Here’s more on what you’ll need to secure a place on our programme.

Are you eligible?

Do you meet the basic requirements? Check our full criteria before you apply.

  • Over 17 years of age
  • UK resident for at least 3 years*
  • Indefinite leave to remain or settled status*
  • 2:2 or above university degree
  • Full UK driving license*
Check full eligibility
What we look for

Do you have a unique set of skills useful in policing? Of course you do!

  • You take ownership
  • You’re emotionally aware
  • You collaborate
  • You support and inspire
  • You analyse critically
Your natural talents

*Dependent on force

"At the end of every day I go home feeling like I made a difference."

  • Helping young people
  • Supporting victims
  • Fostering positive relationships
  • Solving problems in the community

Accessibility title here

Watch how Georgia made an impact

Why shortlist Police Now?

Join a Times Top 100 graduate employer

As part of a prestigious national brand, Police Now offers you the opportunity to join an organisation that attracts graduates from across the UK. Whether or not you’ve previously considered a career in policing, you’ll be part of a diverse, dynamic cohort, bringing fresh perspectives and exceptional skills to communities that need them most.

With expert mentorship and tailored guidance, you benefit from a structured, supportive development journey with measurable milestones, in force mentors, and events with your peers.

On our programme, you won’t just start a job, you’ll start leading. You’ll take on real responsibility in communities, developing critical decision-making skills, and building the confidence needed to influence change and drive impact within the force.

With no two days the same, our graduate programme gives you the opportunity to bring all of your skills to bear in making a positive impact around you.

Through our award-winning academy, you’ll experience an intensive, bespoke training programme designed to fast-track your development. Created in collaboration with expert educators and senior police officers, our curriculum ensures you’re operationally ready, equipped with the knowledge and skills to make an immediate impact.

A career with Police Now is just the beginning. Whether you want to specialise in areas like detective work, counter-terrorism, or leadership roles within the force, our programme opens doors to a wide range of opportunities. You’ll gain the skills, experience, and network to shape your career, on your own terms.

Real impact, real change

Police Now officers make a difference in underrepresented communities. Here’s how we’re leading change:

22%

of Police Now participants are from ethnic minority backgrounds (compared to 11% recruited nationally). 

57%

of our officers identify as female (compared to 43% recruited nationally).

40+

Police Now has won 40+ awards, including Best Diversity & Inclusion Strategy and Commitment to Improving Diversity.

63%

of participants had not considered a career in policing before finding out about Police Now

Unique perspectives on the role

Our graduates want more. More than a job, more than a career, and more than just another graduate scheme. Read about their unique experiences on their Police Now journey. 

“The biggest difference about policing is that there really is no job like it.”

Latia, Police Now graduate

Read more: Latia's thoughts on the role

“Police Now gives you the opportunity to be yourself and then be a police officer”

Upile, Police Now graduate

Read more: Upile's career progression

“I wanted to make an impact on the police force from the inside.”

Anokhi, Police Now graduate

Read more: Anokhi's mission with Police Now

Our commitment to Equity, Diversity and Inclusion

Police Now is intentionally different by design. We know it’s vital to build a representative police service to best serve communities. We know that diverse and inclusive teams achieve more. We don’t just talk EDI, we’ve built the organisation around it.

View our EDI Strategy
Police Now officers

22%

Over 22% of Police Now participants are from ethnic minority backgrounds (compared to 11% recruited nationally). 6% of our graduates have been promoted through the ranks in policing. 72% ethnic minority participants complete our programme.

Police Now employees

28%

identify as an ethnic minority, with 13% of our Senior Leadership Team coming from ethnic minority backgrounds. 17% have a disability. 66% identify as female.   

Drive difference

63%

of Police Now graduates had never considered a career in policing before hearing about Police Now.

Over 40+ EDI Awards

Since 2015, we’ve won over 40+ awards for our work. From our innovative and unique recruitment programme, to our renowned training we support graduates in force to create new outcomes in communities across England and Wales.

Times Top 100 Graduate Employers 2024

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© Police Now . Police Now is a registered charity (1168427) in England & Wales

Policing: a unique graduate career

“This role gives you the power to make a lasting difference in people’s lives.” When Latia Suen describes her role as a police officer, one thing is clear: no two days are ever the same.

"There aren't many jobs where you come in every day and have no idea what you’ll be doing - that’s the best part."

Latia Suen, Police Now graduate

“You’ll come to work each day with no idea what you’ll be doing,” she says. For her, that’s exactly the appeal. She’s been everything from a youth engagement officer to a housing problem-solver, working with partner agencies to tackle long-term issues that matter to local people.

"Policing needs people like you - especially if you’ve never seen yourself in a role like this."

Policing has given her a platform to build lasting change, from preventing anti-social behaviour before it escalates, to safeguarding individuals at risk. “It’s about doing what it takes to protect your community.”
Latia puts it best: “I’m not just a police officer. I’m a youth worker, a social worker, a problem solver.” That’s what neighbourhood policing is all about: wearing different hats to meet the needs of your community. One moment, she’s supporting a young person at risk of exploitation. The next, she’s working with housing teams to tackle long-standing issues affecting vulnerable residents. It’s a role that demands empathy, adaptability and grit, but it’s also what makes it so rewarding. “You find yourself doing things you never expected, but you realise you’re exactly where you need to be.”

"Because of Police Now, I’ve had opportunities I never imagined so early in my career."

Through Police Now, Latia gained early access to specialist units (dog handlers, detectives, traffic and firearms) experiences usually out of reach for new officers. “I expected that to come later,” she explains. “But the support and openness from colleagues has been amazing.

Her journey hasn’t been without challenges. As a young Black woman, she’s faced moments of doubt. But she’s also found allies, both in the force and at Police Now. “You’ll be supported when you get here,” she says. “And you’ll be part of something that’s actively changing the face of policing.”

Career progression at Police Now

When Upile joined Police Now, he saw it not just as a job, but as a springboard. Since starting, he’s risen rapidly through the ranks. Through our programme, he’s had the freedom to lead with authenticity, which has shaped every step of his career.

"Police Now gives you the opportunity to be yourself and then be a police officer."

Upile Mtitimila, Police Now graduate

Upile is now a Detective Inspector, has held force-wide operational leadership roles, and has been promoted three times in just eight years. He’s chaired Cheshire Constabulary’s Multicultural Network, led major community safety operations, and helped Warrington become the safest place to live in the UK. 

"Leadership is about being visible, authentic and making your voice count."

His work speaks volumes. As operational lead for Safer Streets Warrington, Upile helped design and deliver innovative interventions to reduce violence against women and girls. He’s also brought insight to national policy through secondments and advisory boards, with a clear focus on protecting the vulnerable and amplifying underrepresented voices. 

What stands out most is his drive to make policing better from the inside. “It’s not just about doing the job,” he says, “it’s about changing how the job is done.”

For Upile, Police Now was the gateway. The programme gave him tailored leadership development, national exposure, and the encouragement to drive impact at every level. “You won’t just progress, you’ll shape the direction you’re progressing in.”

"Helping Warrington become the safest place to live in the UK is something I’m proud of."

Diversity and women’s leadership in the police

For Anokhi, joining the police wasn’t just about pursuing a career – it was about driving change from within. “I wanted to make an impact on the police force from the inside,” she explains.

"I am not what they think of when they think of a police officer. They think of a male, they think of a white person, they think of someone who is strong. The thing is, I am strong."

Anokhi Chouhan, Police Now graduate

With a background in maths and a passion for helping people, she explored many options. “I was looking for leadership development opportunities. I ended up looking in the charity sector, at the Civil Service fast stream, things like that, before I came across Police Now.”

"Being in this job gives me purpose," she says. "It’s not always easy, but it’s meaningful."

In Essex Police, she’s become a passionate advocate for equity and inclusion. “I started working with things like unconscious bias, diversity, and women’s leadership,” she says. “It was something I hadn’t expected to love, but once I joined the police and saw the opportunities to make things better, I just couldn’t help but get involved.” She now serves as Secretary of the Women’s Leadership and Development Forum, promoting gender equality in the force. Her work supports Police Now’s broader mission: to lead from the front on equity, diversity and inclusion. Police Now is ranked in the Inclusive Top 50 UK Employers list, a recognition of our commitment to breaking down barriers in policing.

Anokhi’s experience as a woman of Asian heritage has brought challenges, but also powerful insights. “People in my community didn’t see policing as a role for someone like me. But I wanted to prove that I belonged here.” She’s done exactly that—building bridges with local communities, leading new faith-based engagement projects, and supporting victims of domestic abuse.

PN_YBT_ANOKHI_3_16_9
from Police Now

"Police Now stood out because it focused on leadership and purpose."

Standing with victims when it matters most

For Kathryn Stewart, the moment she knew she’d made a real difference came during one of the hardest days of her career. 

“She trusted me. That was the first time she felt like she could trust another person. I’d really made a difference in that little girl’s life.” 

Kathryn Stewart, Police Now graduate

While working in a Protecting Vulnerable People (PVP) unit, she was assigned to support an eight-year-old girl who had been a victim of serious sexual assault. Kathryn led the video interview, a process requiring immense care, patience and emotional strength.

“After completing that interview, the little girl hugged me,” she recalls. “She trusted me. That was the first time she felt like she could trust another person. I’d really made a difference in that little girl’s life.”

It’s a moment that’s stayed with her. “If I wasn’t there to listen to those victims, then who else would be?” Kathryn asks. “They need us at one of the worst times in their lives. If I can just make it a little bit better, that makes my job worthwhile.”

“If I wasn’t there to listen to those victims, then who else would be? They need us at one of the worst times in their lives. If I can just make it a little bit better, that makes my job worthwhile."

The Police Now National Detective Programme prepared Kathryn for exactly this kind of complex and compassionate work. With specialist training and early frontline experience, she was ready to be there when it mattered most.

“Even if that kind of moment only happens once in my whole career,” she says, “I’ll know I made the right decision joining the police.”

Kathryn’s story shows the emotional impact of the role, and the unique opportunity graduates have to stand beside those who need them most.

Q4 - KATHRYN STEWART _ NDP PARTICIPANT INTERVIEW
from Police Now

"I know I made the right decision joining the police.” 

Bringing offenders to justice and supporting victims

Detective Constable Caroline Anderson joined Police Now’s National Detective Programme to make a tangible impact, and she’s done just that. 

“This job is more than just a career. We stood up for someone when they needed it most.” 

Caroline Anderson, Police Now graduate

Within her first few years on the force, she successfully investigated and secured the conviction of a sex offender who had evaded justice for years.

The case involved building trust with the survivor, unpicking historic evidence, and managing a complex and sensitive investigation. It was the kind of work that demanded persistence, empathy, and critical thinking, all of which Caroline had developed through her Police Now training.

 

“This job is more than just a career, it’s about doing the right thing, no matter how tough it gets,” she says. The case took over a year to bring to trial, but Caroline didn’t waver. Working closely with the Crown Prosecution Service and survivor support services, she ensured that every detail was accounted for.

Her work didn’t just bring one offender to justice; it helped restore a sense of safety for the wider community. “It’s about standing up for people when they feel like no one else will,” she says.

 

“It’s about doing the right thing, no matter how tough it gets."

Her work didn’t just bring one offender to justice; it helped restore a sense of safety for the wider community. “It’s about standing up for people when they feel like no one else will,” she says.

  Caroline’s story highlights the real impact of being a detective through Police Now. You’re not just investigating crime, you’re making a difference in people’s lives, often at their most vulnerable moments. 

“I’m proud to have played a role in getting justice,” she says. “It’s a privilege to do this job.” 

NDP_INT_CARI_7_SQUARE
from Police Now

"I’m proud to have played a role in getting justice. t’s a privilege to do this job.”

From ASB hotspot to community hub

When Caitlin joined Thames Valley Police through the Police Now programme, she was assigned to a neighbourhood struggling with persistent anti-social behaviour. Residents had lost faith in reporting incidents, believing nothing would change. Caitlin was determined to turn that around. 

“This programme gave me the chance to make a real difference.”

Caitlin Neal, Police Now graduate

“I have been able to really embed myself in the community to problem-solve these long-term issues,” she says. Her work focused on visibility, trust-building, and creating tailored interventions with local residents, businesses and housing partners.  In one housing block that had become notorious for drug use, criminal damage and intimidation, Caitlin brought together stakeholders to tackle the problem collaboratively. She listened to residents, identified key perpetrators, and co-ordinated targeted patrols and safeguarding support for those affected.

The results were game-changing: the area recorded a 100% reduction in anti-social behaviour reports. Not a single resident has called the police about ASB since Caitlin’s interventions were put in place.

“People now feel like they can come to us. They know we’ll listen and take action. The area recorded a 100% reduction in anti-social behaviour reports.” 

It’s a transformation built on trust. “People now feel like they can come to us,” she says. “They know we’ll listen and take action.” Her work hasn’t gone unnoticed, Caitlin’s efforts were recognised in a formal press release by Police Now and widely praised by local leaders.

 

Caitlin credits Police Now for giving her the training and confidence to lead these kinds of initiatives early in her career. “This programme gave me the chance to step into a role where I could make a real difference, right from the start.”

 

"Thanks to Police Now’s training and the support from my brilliant force colleagues, I have been able to really embed myself in the community to problem-solve these long-term issues."

Youth-led change and rebuilding public confidence

For Tom, a neighbourhood police officer in Surrey, meaningful policing means listening,and acting, on what communities say they need. Through Police Now, he launched the Positive Futures Project to do exactly that. 

“By having communities tell us how to solve problems, we built trust.” 

Tom Burrows, Police Now graduate

Working with 12 young people from two secondary schools in Spelthorne, Tom asked them to identify the biggest issues affecting their local areas. Anti-social behaviour came up again and again. But this wasn’t a consultation, it was co-creation. The young people didn’t just name problems, they investigated the root causes and proposed real solutions. “They analysed why they thought it was happening, then proposed responses to mitigate the impact,” Tom explains.

 

He then brought those ideas to local stakeholders (including council members, youth workers and community organisations) who helped provide funding and resources to make the young people’s solutions a reality. The dual aims of the project? Tackle ASB and rebuild trust in policing.

“We were able to build engagement that helps address long-term issues today.” 

“For me, the second objective was the most important,” says Tom. “By having communities not just tell us what the problems were, but how to solve them, we were able to build engagement that helps address long-term issues today.”

Tom credits Police Now for giving him the tools and network to make this kind of project possible. “The programme connects you with other officers across the country, you share ideas, you see what’s working, and bring it back to your force. That’s what makes it different.”

Tom’s work earned him a 2023 Police Now Alumni Impact Award, a testament to how powerful listening can be.

"But for me, what made the Police Now programme stand out from other entry routes was the opportunities you get to mix and meet people from other police forces nationally." 

Tackling homelessness through neighbourhood policing

Within his first 90 days as a neighbourhood police officer, Jacob noticed a major issue no one had taken responsibility for: homelessness and rough sleeping in his local area. 

"I like to think I made a huge impact on their lives.” 

Jacob Reeves, Police Now graduate

When Jacob joined the police through Police Now, he never imagined that his first few months would lead to a community-wide transformation. “Part of Police Now’s message is having an impact from day one, and I think that’s really true,” he says. Within his first 90 days as a neighbourhood police officer, Jacob noticed a major issue no one had taken responsibility for: homelessness and rough sleeping in his local area. 

"Part of Police Now’s message is having an impact from day one."

With no strategy in place from the police, charities, or local council, Jacob brought stakeholders together to build a united approach. “I managed to work with them to put together a cohesive all-encompassing strategy to work around twenty homeless people,” he explains. His work focused on supporting each individual’s needs, connecting them with services and helping them take the first steps into stable accommodation. 

The results? Around 75% of those individuals were no longer rough sleeping by the end of the programme. “One in particular went to live in a self-sustaining commune, and others moved into interim or homelessness housing,” Jacob says. 

"In a neighbourhood role, you get that opportunity to poke your head up and see what's causing the problems that are taking up so much of our energy as an organisation, and solve them, or make an effort to solve them and make them better."

But it wasn’t just about housing. Many of those Jacob helped were also victims of crime or being driven to offend by their situation. “We weren’t just helping them, we were making the whole community safer.” Jacob credits Police Now with giving him the confidence and support to lead early on. “I like to think I made a huge impact on their lives specifically, and that impact spread beyond them.”

Tom | Police Now graduate

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Jacob | Police Now graduate

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Name Here, Police Now graduate

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Dorset Police

Police Now | Dorset Police
Scott Chilton - Dorset Police Chief Constable

Scott Chilton

Chief Constable

National Graduate Leadership Programme

National Detective Programme

Visit the Dorset Police website www.dorset.police.uk