You can join any of the 43 police forces in the UK. For people who love helping others and wanting to make a change in their community, this is an excellent career.
You will need to be resilient and have a strong sense of compassion and empathy. In this role, you will need to communicate well and maintain good relationships with many people. These include victims of crime and witnesses as well as suspects.
The responsibilities and duties of police officers vary depending on where they work, their specialisms, and the department in which they are employed. This could include policing large events/gatherings, investigating crimes, arresting/questioning suspects, interviewing victims and witnesses, and giving evidence in court.
There are several ways to become a policeman. You can take university courses, do an apprenticeship, or work towards the position through other jobs. Or you can apply directly. You can check the selection criteria of your desired force to see which route is best for you.
As of 2020, there are three main routes to policing: the Police Constable Degree Apprenticeship (PCDA), Degree Holder Entry Programmes (DHEP) or the Pre-Join Degrees (PJD). These three entry routes all follow the same process but lead to the exact same result - a trained police officer.
It is important to have a degree in order to be a police officer. Personal integrity, commitment to service to the community and transparency are also essential.
Police officers' duties and responsibilities may vary by location, but the main objective is always to protect communities and people. They also want to bring criminals to justice. This can involve patrolling areas, responding to emergencies, investigating crimes, ensuring that law and order is maintained, and giving advice to the public and businesses about how to keep themselves safe.
As a police officer, you can expect to work long hours, including shifts around the clock, as well as weekends and bank holidays. The work can be demanding and exhausting but it allows you to constantly meet new people, and gain new skills.
If you want to become a police officer, you need a good standard of English and numeracy, as well as the ability to pass exams. This is important for those who wish to progress into a more senior job, such a detective.
As a career in law enforcement is a major commitment, it's crucial to receive the proper support and advice from family and friends. It's important to know why you are interested in becoming a police officer. Also, think about how you can contribute to the community you live in.
Visit the National Careers Service to learn more about what qualifications are required for a career as a police officer and how you can apply. The website is updated regularly, so it's worth checking for the latest info.