Salary & benefits

How much can I earn?
When joining the Police Now National detective Programme you’ll receive a competitive starting salary and a wide range of benefits.

 

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✓ Salary: The average starting salary for our most recent cohort was £20,370 with geographical pay variations creating a range. A basic detective constable salary can rise to £39,150 plus allowances in line with Home Office guidelines.

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✓ 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 maternity, paternity and adoption leave and the option of taking a career break of up to five years.

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✓ Flexible working: The police service is an emergency service operating 24/7 and 365 days a year. However, it is 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.

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✓ Pension: When you start as a new police constable 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.

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✓ Healthcare: Some police forces offer the opportunity to join a contributory private healthcare scheme. You will also benefit from free eye tests and spectacles glasses if you regularly use a computer.

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✓ 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 stores, retail outlets and other national organisations offer discounts and special deals to police officers. Most police forces also provide access to a number of subsidised leisure and sporting activities.

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✓ Personal support and advice: You’ll have access to support through the Police Federation and staff support associations, who represent your needs. Each individual force will also have their own teams for occupational health and welfare and for those with caring responsibilities.

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✓ Training and development: As part of the Police Now National Detective Programme we offer one-to-one mentoring with a Leadership Development Officer who will support and coach you throughout your two years on the programme. There will be regular training, events and skills sessions.