National Graduate Programme
A graduate career to change lives for the better.
Join our National Graduate Programme. Make a real impact.
Build a diverse future in policing.
Join over 3,500 Police Now graduates shaping policing across England and Wales.
Every community deserves officers they can trust.
Become a leader and build safer communities.
Kickstart your career
Applications open in
Applications for our 2026 National Graduate Programme are now open!
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.
We recruit graduates into policing.
Times Top 100 graduate programme.
Become a leader, impact society.
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.
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*
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
*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
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.
A clear, structured graduate programme with a path to leadership
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.
Make an immediate impact: Police Now vs other graduate programmes
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.
Award-winning development and training
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 like no other: a wide range of specialisms in policing
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
“Police Now gives you the opportunity to be yourself and then be a police officer”
Upile, Police Now graduate
“I wanted to make an impact on the police force from the inside.”
Anokhi, Police Now graduate
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.
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.
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.
63%
of Police Now graduates had never considered a career in policing before hearing about Police Now.
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.