Change starts now

Making the world a safer place starts with your application

How to join the police with Police Now

Make a real impact with our national graduate programme

Applying to the Police Now national graduate programmes is a series of simple processes which we’ve streamlined as much as possible for you.

Your individual experience and background make you the unique person you are. It’s why our recruitment process is uniquely designed to get the most from all candidates, so be yourself.

Below, you’ll find all the information you need along your journey. Read all the information and make sure you’re prepared.

Applications regularly close early when demand is high, so apply as soon as you’re ready.

Remember, we’re here every step of your journey to offer personalised, individual advice alongside a suite of tools and contact points to support everyone.

Before you apply

You want a career where you can make an impact. Are you prepared to start the application process?

Being prepared is the first step in being successful in your application. Before you apply, make sure to thoroughly read this information and have everything you need to start your journey.

Get prepared to apply

Before you apply, read these pages:

Current programmes

Police Now offer two national graduate programmes. Which one is right for you?

Find out what each programme offers and what the role of a neighbourhood police officer or police detective is like.

National Graduate Leadership Programme

As a neighbourhood police officer you will work within diverse communities, devise long term strategic solutions and work collaboratively in a multi agency approach to solve crimes and systemic problems.

MORE ABOUT THE PROGRAMME

National Detective Programme

As a detective you care, it’s a serious career choice. You act on instinct and grow your capacity to change communities by delivering excellence in policing.

MORE ABOUT THE PROGRAMME

Ready to
apply

You're prepared and ready to start your journey with Police Now

So you’re eligible and meet all the requirements and you think you’re suitable for the role. Congratulations, you’re ready to apply.

We’ve made the application process as simple and straightforward as possible and we are here if you need help along the way.

Find out all the answers to your questions in our online guides on the process and tips for your application.

If you still have questions, feel free to make contact with our recruitment team via email or live chat.

What you need to know about the application process

Answers for your most common questions:

"

I was considering a few graduate schemes. The reason I ended up applying for the Police Now one was because the process was enjoyable to do. The people were quite friendly when I was doing it and the application process was actually really interesting.

Already
applied

You've submitted your application - what's next?

We know you’re excited to join us, and will have many questions about the process and timelines. You’ll be curious about what happens next, who will contact you, what will be expected of you and how long you’ll wait.

No doubt you’ll have shared your decision with family and friends as well, who will also want to explore your potential future pathway and help you prepare.

To apply you must have a degree or be working towards one. Through the recruitment process you will need to verify who you are so you will need ID documents ready to share at the assessment centre stage.

Remember, there’s also a variety of ways to interact with us, including live chat and email.

What’s next after you’ve applied?

Get prepared. Understand the documents you wi: need and the checks that will be carried out.

Next steps

You will be kept up-to-date with the progress of your application via your application profile, you may want to read our FAQs or get in touch if you have any questions.

Change starts now

Making the world a safer place starts with your application

How to join the police with Police Now

Make a real impact with our national graduate programme