POLICE OFFICER APPLICATION PROCESS

Being a police officer can be physically, mentally, and emotionally demanding but it is also very rewarding. But, it’s not a career for everyone. Before you apply you should fully understand what the role involves and be aware of the police officer application process.

Police Officers wearing black uniform and hats facing away from the camera at a celebration event for completion of training

Understanding the role

The role of an officer is varied. It’s much more than blue lights and fast cars and you will encounter situations that you will not previously have been exposed to. You will be protecting the vulnerable; giving evidence in court; supporting victims of domestic violence; investigating burglaries and working in partnership with communities.

To equip our PCs to feel ready for these situations, we provide recruits with a high-standard, structured, and rigorous 18-week training programme.

While we make every effort to ensure police officers are afforded flexibility in their roles and have sight of shift patterns in advance, the nature of the role means working a variety of shifts over evenings, nights and weekends. Being a police officer is not only an adjustment to your career, but your lifestyle too.

The best way to understand what’s involved in being an officer at #TeamNP is to join one of our mandatory online information events.

Understanding the role

The role of a PC is varied and you will encounter circumstances that you will not previously have been exposed to. It’s much more than blue lights and fast cars. You will be protecting the vulnerable; giving evidence in court; supporting victims of domestic violence; investigating burglaries and working in partnership with communities.

To equip our PCs to feel ready for these situations, we provide recruits with a high-standard, structured and rigorous training programme.

While we make every effort to ensure police officers are afforded flexibility in their roles and have sight of shift patterns in advance, the nature of the role means working a variety of shifts over evenings, nights and weekends.

The best way to understand what’s involved in being an officer at #TeamNP is to join one of our mandatory, online information events.

What you need to know before you apply

Research Northumbria Police

In your interview, there is a very good chance that you will be asked questions that will test your knowledge of the police service and our force. So make sure you’re up to speed with our vision and mission.

Our workforce must understand and reflects our #TeamNP values. Make sure you’re familiar with these values as you consider applying.

Determined. Nobody is more determined than us to keep our communities safe.
Supportive. A supportive, inclusive culture is everything to us. Full stop.
Passionate. Our region is amazing. It’s in our DNA to be passionate about what we do.
Dynamic. We are brave and bold. We are dynamic in our thinking so bring on innovation!
Proud. We are a team like no other. Proud of who we are and what we do.

It’s equally important that you have an understanding of the area that Northumbria Police serves. Head to the Northumbria Police website where you can learn more about the current issues in your community and find out more about our service across the force area.

If you want to know more about what the different teams across Northumbria are involved in right now or hear from more of our serving officers, see the latest updates from our social media channels including our LinkedIn page.

Be fit for the role of a Police Officer

One of the requirements of the police assessment process is to pass a fitness test. This means achieving level 5.4 on the ‘bleep test’. Your fitness will also be tested throughout your training and ongoing career.

This means having a reasonable level of fitness but our requirements are not nearly as demanding as is often assumed. If you undertake some form of regular exercise, there should be no issue.

If exercise isn’t currently part of your lifestyle, it’s a good idea to start to build up your fitness with some form of activity two or three times a week.

You can read more about our fitness criteria in the Eligibility Requirements.

Read up on the assessment centre process

The College of Policing online assessment process is a key stage in your application process to becoming a PC. It is a series of exercises that test the key competencies and values that are important for police constables.

The situational judgment test measures your ability to choose the appropriate action in situations similar to those you are likely to face on duty.

In the competency-based interview, you will be asked a series of questions about how you have dealt with specific situations in the past.

The written task involves you assuming the role of a police constable completing a written task for your line manager. You will be provided with four items of information to help you with this task.

In the briefing task exercise, you will assume the role of a police constable and will have responsibility for dealing with some issues presented to you. You will be tasked with providing a verbal response to several questions about this issue. You will be provided with preparation materials to consider your answer.

To find out more about the assessment centre stage of the recruitment process, view this useful guide and these frequently asked questions.

Use our Positive Action support

Our in-house Positive Action team is on hand to offer support, whether you’re considering an application or are already going through the recruitment process. They’re here to help those from under-represented groups, including those from ethnic minority communities or those with a disability.

The team will work with you to understand any barriers you believe you face to joining our force. You’ll also be invited to sign up for a workshop to dispel common myths about policing, give you a good idea of what to expect from the job and the recruitment process and help you feel confident to apply.

To help you prepare for the role you can get in touch with our Positive Action team by emailing positiveaction@northumbria.police.uk.

Disability Confident Scheme

It is important that Northumbria Police represent the communities we serve. We celebrate the benefits of having diverse thinkers within our organisation, including those with a disability or a neurodiversity condition. However, whilst having a disability does not automatically exclude you from applying to be a Police Officer, it is important to read our eligibility requirement prior to applying.

We are happy to provide any adjustments that might support you through the application process. To discuss the support available to you throughout the application process please email the positive action mailbox.

What you need to know before you apply

Research Northumbria Police

In your interview, there is a very good chance that you will be asked questions that will test your knowledge of the police service and our force. So make sure you’re up to speed with our vision and mission.

Our workforce must understand and reflects our #TeamNP values. Make sure you’re familiar with these values as you consider applying.

Determined. Nobody is more determined than us to keep our communities safe.
Supportive. A supportive, inclusive culture is everything to us. Full stop.
Passionate. Our region is amazing. It’s in our DNA to be passionate about what we do.
Dynamic. We are brave and bold. We are dynamic in our thinking so bring on innovation!
Proud. We are a team like no other. Proud of who we are and what we do.

It’s equally important that you have an understanding of the area that Northumbria Police serves. Head to the Northumbria Police website where you can learn more about the current issues in your community and find out more about our service across the force area.

If you want to know more about what the different teams across Northumbria are involved in right now or hear from more of our serving officers, see the latest updates from our social media channels including our LinkedIn page.

Be fit for the role of a Police Officer

One of the requirements of the police assessment process is to pass a fitness test. This means achieving level 5.4 on the ‘bleep test’. Your fitness will also be tested throughout your training and ongoing career.

This means having a reasonable level of fitness but our requirements are not nearly as demanding as is often assumed. If you undertake some form of regular exercise, there should be no issue.

If exercise isn’t currently part of your lifestyle, it’s a good idea to start to build up your fitness with some form of activity two or three times a week.

You can read more about our fitness criteria in the Eligibility Requirements.

Read up on the assessment centre process

The College of Policing online assessment process is a key stage in your application process to becoming a PC. It is a series of exercises that test the key competencies and values that are important for police constables.

The situational judgment test measures your ability to choose the appropriate action in situations similar to those you are likely to face on duty.

In the competency-based interview, you will be asked a series of questions about how you have dealt with specific situations in the past.

The written task involves you assuming the role of a police constable completing a written task for your line manager. You will be provided with four items of information to help you with this task.

In the briefing task exercise, you will assume the role of a police constable and will have responsibility for dealing with some issues presented to you. You will be tasked with providing a verbal response to several questions about this issue. You will be provided with preparation materials to consider your answer.

To find out more about the assessment centre stage of the recruitment process, view this useful guide and these frequently asked questions.

Use our Positive Action support

Our in-house Positive Action team is on hand to offer support, whether you’re considering an application or are already going through the recruitment process. They’re here to help those from under-represented groups, including those from ethnic minority communities or those with a disability.

The team will work with you to understand any barriers you believe you face to joining our force. You’ll also be invited to sign up for a workshop to dispel common myths about policing, give you a good idea of what to expect from the job and the recruitment process and help you feel confident to apply.

To help you prepare for the role you can get in touch with our Positive Action team by emailing positiveaction@northumbria.police.uk.

Disability Confident Scheme

It is important that Northumbria Police represent the communities we serve. We celebrate the benefits of having diverse thinkers within our organisation, including those with a disability or a neurodiversity condition. However, whilst having a disability does not automatically exclude you from applying to be a Police Officer, it is important to read our eligibility requirement prior to applying.

We are happy to provide any adjustments that might support you through the application process. To discuss the support available to you throughout the application process please email the positive action mailbox.

Police officer application process

1. Mandatory information event

Join an online information event and explore becoming an officer, eligibility requirements, training, and opportunities at TeamNP to guide you in your decision to apply.

2. Application form

This is where you share with us your personal, professional and educational information including any relevant qualifications. If you need any support with your application you should email our Talent Acquisition Team.

3. National sift

This is a national-level process where you will complete two exercises. These reflect the competencies and values relevant to the role of a police officer including a situational judgement test (SJT) and behavioural questionnaire.

4. Online assessment process

This is a national standard of assessment centre set by the College of Policing including role play and written exercises. Watch this video to learn more.

5. Interview

This is where we delve into the current topic areas that are important to Northumbria Police and our communities, and find out about you in more detail to assess your suitability.

6. Conditional offer

Congratulations, you have passed all stages of the recruitment process. Here we’ll ask for some extra information so we can commence relevant pre-employment checks.

7. Pre-employment checks

These checks include a fitness test, references, a medical examination, vetting checks, biometric and fingerprint analysis and we will organise your uniform fitting.

8. Final offer

This is when we will discuss your start date at TeamNP and determine which of our available entry routes is best for you to join as a police officer at Northumbria Police.

CONGRATULATIONS!

Welcome to TeamNP! You’ve successfully completed the application process and are now a member of our policing family. Your new career journey starts here, good luck!

Ways into policing

Our entry routes into policing are largely focused around your academic qualifications and previous qualifications. Whether you already have a degree, you’re looking to gain one or you’re looking to become a uniformed officer without training for a higher education qualification, there are several ways into the world of frontline policing.

Police Constable Degree Apprenticeship (PCDA)

✘ If you don’t have a degree

Police Constable Entry Programme (PCEP)

✘ If you don’t have a degree

Degree Holder Entry Programme (DHEP)

✔ If you have a degree

Graduate Detective Programme (GDP)

✔ If you have a degree

Ways into policing

entry routes into policing are largely focused around your academic qualifications and previous qualifications. Whether you already have a degree, you’re looking to gain one or you’re looking to become a uniformed officer without training for a higher education qualification, there are several ways into the world of frontline policing.