Our National Detective Programme offers more than a job, it’s a career package. You can expect:
- Ongoing bespoke training and personalised development.
- Continuing support and advice from experts.
- Competitive salary.
- First rate pension scheme.
- Healthcare options.
- Real job security.
- A lifetime of rewarding opportunities.
Benefits designed just for you
You’ll also get a whole host of Police Now benefits unique to our national graduate programmes.
- A Performance Development Coach who’ll work with you over the two year programme on your personal and professional development.
- A Police Now national peer network to learn from and share experiences with.
- Advice from experienced officers through the Police Now alumni network.
- Our specially designed 14 week Police Now Academy to give you a unique and intensive preparation for life in-force.
- Our specially developed affinity networks, places to meet and share experiences, insights and support with likeminded people.
Competitive salary
Your salary starts when you begin the Police Now Academy.
The government has announced police officer pay will increase by seven per cent across all ranks from 1 September 2023 in England and Wales. From September, your starting salary will increase to £28,500 – £37,000+, depending on the force you join. You could also receive location allowances of up to £6,906 per annum. Within six years, the basic salary of a police constable can then rise to £40,000 plus allowances in line with Home Office guidelines. This number will vary with the recent pay increase announcement.
Some of our graduates seek promotion after they have successfully completed our two-year programme and you can get support from Police Now on this. With promotion up the ranks comes increased responsibility and salary.
Leave
You’ll start with 22 days paid annual holiday, rising to 30 days a year with length of service.
This is on top of public holidays and an average of at least two rest days each working week. You can also expect other forms of leave including adoption, maternity and paternity.
Flexible working
The police service is an emergency service operating 24/7 and 365 days a year.
However, it’s always the intention of the police service to try and take your individual religious and cultural needs into account so you can fit your work around your personal commitments.
Pension
One of the best pension schemes around.
When you start as a new police officer you’ll automatically be enrolled as a member of the Police Pension Scheme 2015, which is considered to be among the best around. This isn’t compulsory and you can opt out if you wish.
Healthcare
Contributory private healthcare scheme.
Some police forces offer the opportunity to join a contributory private healthcare scheme. You’ll also benefit from free eye tests and glasses if you regularly use a computer.
Financial services discounts
There are various partner organisations who work alongside the police to offer a variety of financial services including saving, investment and protection products, as well as discounts and subsidies.
Many major high street shops, retail outlets and other national organisations also offer discounts and special deals to police officers. Most police forces also provide access to a number of subsidised leisure and sporting activities.
Personal support and advice
Police Federation & staff support associations.
You’ll have access to support through the Police Federation and staff support associations, who are there to represent your needs. Each individual force also has their own team for occupational health and welfare and for those with caring responsibilities.
Training and development
Regular training, events and skills sessions.
All our participants get one-to-one mentoring with a Police Now Performance Development Coach (PDC) who will support and coach you throughout your two years on the programme. Your PDC will work with you on a tailored Personal Development Plan (PDP) to encourage your growth throughout the two years. They provide guidance and advice on your project work, identifying your strengths, as well as areas where you can improve.
Beyond the two-year programme
Help and support from Police Now.
After you finish our programme the support doesn’t stop. We have an alumni team who will continue to support your professional and personal development. This includes expert support on promotion applications, skills development sessions and social events.
Qualifications
Earn a Graduate Diploma on the job
As part of the programme you will complete a bespoke Graduate Diploma in Professional Policing Practice, which allows you to step back from the day-to-day and learn the theory to drive real change for the communities you will serve. Our graduate diploma is distinctive due to its positioning as an essential and core part of training and developing outstanding leaders in policing. Drawing on the latest elements and developments within the criminological landscape, top academic experts will deliver a nationally-recognised course. Your studies will give you the chance to learn and develop your skills and knowledge in a variety of ways utilising an expansive hub of resources that will challenge you in the most engaging way possible.
Before you apply, make sure you meet our eligibility criteria with our online guide.
Some of the key requirements you must meet include:
- Age - You must be 17 years of age or older at the time of your application.
- Residency - You’ll need to have resided in the UK continuously for the past three years, at least.
- Nationality - You can be of any nationality to apply, providing you have the status of indefinite leave to remain and work in the UK.
- Academic qualifications - You must have, or be predicted to achieve, a minimum 2:1 undergraduate degree from a university in the UK, or an equivalent from a non-UK university.
You cannot apply if you have previously attested and served as a police officer. However, you are eligible to apply if you are currently or have been a police cadet, special constable, PCSO or member of police staff for any force.
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