Candidate help hub
What are the working hours?
As a police officer you will be required to work shifts. Policing is 24/7, which means there will likely be times when you’re needed for shifts, working evenings and/or weekends. Before applying, we recommend that you consider whether working varying shift patterns would suit you.
Depending on your police force’s work patterns, you can benefit from a shift pattern such as four days on, four days off, which gives you more flexibility with commitments outside of work.
What skills do I need to succeed in the recruitment process?
We are looking for talented graduates from all degree subjects, who are motivated by Police Now’s mission and to become future leaders in society and on the policing frontline. While prior policing knowledge or experience isn’t necessary, being collaborative, empathetic, and having a passion for public service will help you in the recruitment process and the role.
For more details, review our competencies that we’ll be looking for you to demonstrate.
Can I apply to Police Now if I am also applying directly to a police force?
How is Police Now unique to other entry routes into policing?
Will I be able to meet other participants joining the programme before I start?
Once you have received a conditional offer for the programme you will be invited to attend an in-person induction event. You’ll have the chance to find out more about Police Now, network with representatives from the organisation and meet other offer holders. Before your start date, we may also invite you to attend other onboarding events where you can learn more about the role and get to know others who will be joining the programme.
How do I know if I am eligible for the role?
The eligibility criteria for entry to Police Now’s National Graduate Programme follows national standards for new police officers and detectives.
You can find the detailed eligibility criteria on our Eligibility page. Please note some criteria may vary depending on the force you join.
Can I use generative AI in the application process?
GenAI tools, like ChatGPT, are revolutionising how people approach a whole host of tasks. We believe it’s important to embrace and not ban these tools, but we also want to make sure we get a chance to see the real you. Read our policy which outlines where GenAI can be used to your advantage, and where GenAI is not permitted and why.
What skills do I need to succeed in the recruitment process?
We are looking for talented graduates from all degree subjects, who are motivated by Police Now’s mission and to become future leaders in society and on the policing frontline. While prior policing knowledge or experience isn’t necessary, being collaborative, empathetic, and having a passion for public service will help you in the recruitment process and the role.
For more details, review our competencies that we’ll be looking for you to demonstrate.
What are your commitments to candidates completing assessments?
We’re committed to a fair recruitment process for all our candidates. Here is a short guide that has been designed to give you straightforward information about the commitments we’ve made to you, and what we’re asking from you in return.
How are Police Now supporting neurodiversity in their recruitment and onboarding process?
- We blind screen applications to ensure our process is inclusive and free from bias by training our assessors and continuously reviewing our data.
- Time adjustments can be requested to better support candidates in assessments, such as more time for written exercises and reading materials. Resources are also provided before assessments so that candidates can feel prepared.
- Our Performance and Development Coaches (PDCs) work closely with participants on the programme. If extra coaching sessions are needed, they are available during the participant’s journey with Police Now.
- Our recruitment team works closely with forces to ensure participants are given the support that they need when they join policing. Information is also provided on national and peer support networks that are available to new recruits.
I’ve accepted my offer with Police Now, can I defer my start date?
I am exploring new career options as I am not a recent graduate. Can I apply?
What is the fitness test and how can I prepare?
If you receive an offer for the programme, as part of the pre-employment checks you will need to pass a fitness test. This is a multi-stage shuttle run, also known as a ‘bleep test’. Our Recruitment Officers can provide support or advice with the preparation and training for this, if required.
What’s involved in the medical assessment?
Before you join the programme, you will be required to complete a medical assessment including checks of your height, weight and Body Mass Index (BMI). The current BMI standard for police officers is between 18 and 30.
Medical assessments vary from force to force, but you’ll typically be asked to complete a confidential health declaration and be invited in for some health tests. Before applying, please read the Home Office medical standards document for guidance.
What is the Professionalism in Policing meeting?
The Professionalism in Policing meeting is part of our pre-employment checks, so that we can better understand your motivations to join policing and commitment to public service.
During this meeting we will assess your understanding and awareness of three of the College of Policing Ethical Policing Principles: Courage, Respect and Empathy and Public Service. It will take place in-person and last approximately 15 minutes.
Do I need a driving licence to join Police Now’s National Graduate Programme?
Driving licence requirements vary depending on the police force you apply to:
1. No driving licence required:
- Merseyside Police
2. Full, manual UK driving licence required at the point of application:
- Dyfed-Powys Police
3. Full, manual, UK driving licence required by conditional offer (September 2025):
- Avon and Somerset Police
- Devon and Cornwall Police
- Humberside Police
- Suffolk Constabulary
4. Full, manual, UK driving licence required by final offer (January 2026):
- Northamptonshire Police
- North Wales Police
5. Full, manual, UK driving licence required by the end of the two-year programme (March 2028):
- West Midlands Police
Please check that you meet the driving licence requirements for the force you are interested in joining before submitting an application. If you’re currently learning to drive or planning to take your test soon, you may still be eligible depending on the timeline.
Can I apply with pre-settled/settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme?
Below are the forces that currently accept applicants with pre-settled status:
- Avon and Somerset Police
- Northamptonshire Police
- Suffolk Constabulary
If you are applying to any other police force we are partnering with, you must hold settled status, indefinite leave to remain, or British citizenship to be eligible.
Please check that you meet the eligibility criteria for your chosen force before submitting an application.
What academic qualifications do I need?
- Avon and Somerset Police
- Humberside Police
- Merseyside Police
Are there any Welsh language requirements?
Yes – Welsh language requirements apply if you are looking to join a police force in Wales. These vary by force:
Training and support are provided by the force to help you reach the required level.
What support and training will I receive to prepare for potentially dangerous situations?
During academy, you will receive comprehensive training in keeping yourself and others safe, managing conflict, negotiation, as well as situational awareness to prepare you for the role. This training will be revisited throughout your time in policing and you’ll receive ongoing support from experienced colleagues to ensure you have the skills and resources needed to stay safe.
What will the training involve?
The Police Now Academy is mostly residential and will take place at a conference venue. So you will need to be prepared to spend some time away from home.
Training will be delivered in three ways:
- Residential – We will cover your accommodation, breakfast, lunch, and dinner during this part of the training. At weekends you can go home.
- In-force – You will have some weeks where you receive training in-force, which will also give you the opportunity to apply your learnings from your training.
- Digital – You will be able to access and complete this training remotely.
If you have caring responsibilities, you can speak with your Recruitment Officer about what support we can offer.
What does a typical day look like for a neighbourhood police officer?
As a neighbourhood police officer, your day is diverse and community-focused. You might start by engaging with local residents to understand their concerns, followed by attending community meetings or visiting schools to build relationships. Patrols on foot or by vehicle are common, allowing you to maintain a visible presence and deter crime.
No two days are the same, and your work directly contributes to building safer, stronger communities. View different examples of a day in the life of a neighbourhood police officer here.
What support and training will I receive to prepare for potentially dangerous situations?
During academy, you will receive comprehensive training in keeping yourself and others safe, managing conflict, negotiation, as well as situational awareness to prepare you for the role. This training will be revisited throughout your time in policing and you’ll receive ongoing support from experienced colleagues to ensure you have the skills and resources needed to stay safe.
What will the training involve?
The Police Now Academy is mostly residential and will take place at a conference venue. So you will need to be prepared to spend some time away from home.
Training will be delivered in three ways:
- Residential – We will cover your accommodation, breakfast, lunch, and dinner during this part of the training. At weekends you can go home.
- In-force – You will have some weeks where you receive training in-force, which will also give you the opportunity to apply your learnings from your training.
- Digital – You will be able to access and complete this training remotely.
If you have caring responsibilities, you can speak with your Recruitment Officer about what support we can offer.
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