Application Process
Application timeline
Our programmes have a straightforward, four-step recruitment process where you will receive feedback on your performance, whether you are successful or not, at key stages to help you with your own development.
1. Application
Estimated completion time: 45 – 60 minutes
In the application form, you’ll be asked for details which will enable us to check your eligibility. This will include:
- Personal information - name, address.
- Education history.
- Tattoos.
- Convictions.
- Business interests.
- Financial position.
- Equality, diversity and inclusion monitoring.
- Data protection.
When your application is complete, it will be reviewed by our recruitment team. If you’re eligible, you’ll be invited to our online immersive assessment. There, you’ll get a feel for how the role you have applied to will look day-to-day.
2. Immersive assessment
Estimated completion time: 45 minutes
You’ll be sent a link to complete your immersive assessment, alongside a handbook to help you prepare. There is also a 10-minute practice assessment for you to complete before you get started.
During the immersive assessment you’ll be taken through realistic scenarios you could encounter in the role. We want to see how you react in different situations, and what you think would be the most effective and least effective response to each scenario.
The immersive assessment isn’t timed so you can complete it at your own pace.
You will need to complete it within 7 days of receiving the link.
3. Assessment centre
Estimated completion time: half-day
If you pass the immersive assessment, you’ll be able to book a place at our digital assessment centre. There will be various times and dates available for you to choose from.
Before the assessment centre, it’s a good idea to think about your motivations for contributing to our mission and joining the programme.
We know you’ll want to go into this feeling prepared, so we offer all candidates the chance to book a pre-assessment centre coaching session.
During the assessment centre you’ll complete a number of activities. These are designed to assess you against the attributes that we look for in candidates and also to give you an insight into the role you have applied to and the Police Now programme.
4. Conditional offer
If you are successful at the assessment centre, you will be offered a conditional place on the programme and assigned a Recruitment Officer who will be your main point of contact. They will support you with the below pre-employment checks, which you will be required to pass before you receive a final offer.
- Background and vetting checks
- Medical tests, including substance misuse tests (SMT) and biometric testing
- Fitness test
- Proof of academic qualifications (level 3 and degree certificate)
Beyond your offer
Onboarding events
During your onboarding journey, you’ll have the opportunity to attend various events including the Police Now Induction Event, where you will learn more about the programme, hear from programme participants and alumni, and meet your fellow offer holders who will be joining the programme.
At your Force Induction, you’ll get a tour of the station, hear more about your role in detail from senior officers, and meet your Syndicate Leads, who are serving officers who will support your development throughout your academy.
We understand the importance of building connections and making friends, therefore we also host a number of socials during your onboarding journey to allow you to solidify these friendships before you begin your academy training.
Pre-academy learning
We’ll also introduce you to a range of policing topics you’ll be able to engage with, drawing on real-world scenarios. The learning will provide you with a deeper understanding of the role and how you can apply legislation and procedures to modern-day policing, gaining new skills that you can take with you to the academy.
“I absolutely loved the induction; I learned a lot and loved meeting everyone and hearing from the speakers. It was made fun, and I loved being able to ask lots of questions.”
Feedback from Induction Event attendee
Supporting your success
What makes our graduate programmes stand out?
Our participants all say it’s the influence they have in society through policing and the individual development they receive throughout your journey.
From the moment you apply you’ll have access to resources and support from our recruitment team to help you navigate our application process and your journey into policing.
What's the application process like?
Assessment centre practice
The steps involved in applying
The application process was enjoyable
Help and useful links
FAQs
Do you have questions about applying? From eligibility, to what the training will involve.
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HOW TO APPLY
Access top tips and guidance on the application process for our national graduate programmes.
