Police Officer Application Process

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 neurodiverse 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.