Police Officer

Police officers are responsible for upholding law and order, preventing and investigating crimes, and protecting the public. It is a challenging and fulfilling career, which demands a high level of personal integrity and involves working closely with the local community.

There are clearly defined ranks in the police service which you can move through with experience as well as taking additional examinations. There are opportunities to specialise in a particular type of policing, for example criminal investigation department (CID), anti-fraud, road traffic, drugs, firearms, counter terrorism, air support, underwater search, dog-handling or mounted policing. With experience, you may be able to apply for promotion to sergeant, inspector or chief inspector.

From 1st September 2025, salaries for police constables start at £31,164, rising to £50,256. The salary for a Sergeant is £53,568 to £56,208, for an Inspector £63,768 to £68,982, and for a Chief Inspector £70,344 to £74,310.

The minimum education requirement for joining the police is a Level 3 Qualification. The government defines this as the equivalent of 2 A Levels or an advanced technical certificate or diploma.

There are various entry route options into policing, these include the Police Constable Degree Apprenticeship, the IPLDP and Police Constable Entry Programme, the Degree Holder Entry Programme, the Detective Degree Holder Entry Programme, the Professional Policing Degree Holder, and the Police Now Graduate Programmes. Which route you follow will depend on what your chosen force offers and whether you already have a degree. You apply directly to your chosen police force and once you have done so, the next step is to complete an online assessment.

To join the police force, in general you need to be over 18 (you can apply at 17 and start work when you turn 18), be a British citizen, an EC/EEA national or a Commonwealth citizen or foreign national with no restrictions on your stay in the United Kingdom, have lived in the UK for the last 3 years, be in good health, including fitness and eyesight, and have no criminal record, although some offences may be considered by individual forces when you apply.

You could get a taste of what it is like to work for the police by volunteering as a special constable, working as a police support volunteer or by joining the volunteer police cadets (if you’re aged between 13 and 18).

To research local education and training opportunities that could lead to a career as a police officer, visit our partner website >log on | move on>.

Details of relevant degree courses can be found on the UCAS website.

Joining the Police

College of Policing - Joining the Police

Find your local police force

National Careers Service - Police Officer

Want to know what it's like to work as a police officer? Watch the videos in How Did You Get That Job? to find out more.