Police Officer Eligibility Requirements

Whilst we welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, there are some police officer eligibility conditions that all applicants need to meet. Before you start your application, please ensure you meet our police officer eligibility and entry route requirements.

Check your police officer eligibility

Qualifications and Experience

To join as a Police Officer with Northumbria Police:

Applicants for the Police Constable degree apprenticeship must have:

Level 2 qualifications in both English and Maths for example a GCSE or iGCSE at grade C (level 4) or above, Functional Skills Level 2, Key Skills Level 2 (Communication and / or Literacy) or Adult Numeracy / Literacy PlusAND
Level 3 qualifications where the grades total 120 UCAS points or higher. Your Tariff Points can be made up of a number of different types of qualifications. Please utilise the UCAS calculation tool to help you. Please utilise the UCAS calculation tool to help you.

Be aged 21+ and have a minimum of 2 Level 3 (or higher) qualifications. PLUS a minimum of 3 years work experience that will support your progression into the Police Officer role. We will review work experience in line with our core force values and the National Police Officers competency and values framework.

Applicants for the Degree Holder entry programme and Graduate Detective programme must:

Be a level 6 degree (or higher, i.e. master’s degree/ PhD, etc.) holder in any subject area or be a student within the final year of study for a degree.

AND

Hold level 2 qualifications in both English and Maths. For example a GCSE or iGCSE at grade C (level 4) or above, Functional Skills Level 2, Key Skills Level 2 (Communication and / or Literacy) or Adult Numeracy / Literacy Plus

Applicants for the Police Constable Entry Programme must have:

Level 2 qualifications in both English and Maths for example a GCSE or iGCSE at grade C (level 4) or above, Functional Skills Level 2, Key Skills Level 2 (Communication and / or Literacy) or Adult Numeracy / Literacy Plus

AND

Two Level 3 (or higher) qualifications.

Hold a degree in Professional Policing Practice from a College of Policing accredited supplier or be in your final year of study. If you have a Professional Policing Degree you will automatically be enrolled onto our PCEP entry route.

If you don’t have A-Levels but do have at least one year of professional experience working in areas such as those below, we encourage you to apply: (note that this is not an exhaustive list and all previous experience will be assessed on a case-by-case basis.) armed forces, border force, criminal justice sector/CPS/courts, cyber/digital and financial fraud crimes, emergency services, health and social care sectors, justice and law enforcement sectors, police staff (particularly custody, public contact/demand hub/enquiry office roles and investigative roles), PCSO or Special Constable, prison service, professional services/project management, teaching, youth work.

When completing your application, it’s important that you attach proof of your qualifications. Your application will not be accepted without a copy of your certificates unless you are within your final year of study.

If you have specific questions about the entry requirements, or your qualifications/experience please get in touch with our Talent Acquisition team.

Health and Fitness

Whilst our health and fitness requirements are not nearly as demanding as is often assumed, you will need to be able to cope with the physical and emotional demands of the job. This includes for example, being able to deal with volatile or traumatic situations and cope with working long shifts.

It’s important you are aware that at the point of recruitment you will go through a thorough health screening and medical assessment. This can result in an unsuccessful application due to previous or ongoing health conditions that may create an unacceptable risk in the role. Support is in place to help our police officers; however, the recruitment standard is set to protect yourself, our officers, and members of the public and to optimise successful recruitment of long-term police officers into the force.

We cannot assess your medical history prior to a conditional offer of employment. Please ensure you read through the Home Office Medical Standards and Annexes A & B to understand if your medical history or any current conditions may have an impact on your eligibility for the role. Those documents set out the current best medical advice in relation to medical fitness to be appointed as a police officer. Whilst each application will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis, it is likely that your application may not be successful if you apply when, for example, still on mental health treatment, have had a recent major operation or have recently had an epileptic seizure.

As part of our medical checks, you will also be expected to pass a BMI analysis with 18-30 as recruitment standard. Getting to the expected level of health and fitness can be very different depending on each person – we’re all unique! – but can be achieved with some determination, practice, and support.

Eyesight Requirements

You must meet a national police eyesight standard. You are permitted to wear contact lenses or spectacles to meet the standard.

Substance Misuse

Misuse of substances contradicts everything the role of a police officer stands for. If you are currently using any illegal drugs, this will rule you out of the recruitment process automatically.

You will be tested for substance misuse during the recruitment medical process. You may also be subject to substance misuse testing at any stage during your career with us.

Fitness Test

The fitness test allows an assessment to be made of your endurance to ensure you are able to meet the demands of operational policing.

The test focuses upon aerobic capacity. You will carry out a shuttle run over a 15 metre area and run in time with a bleep. At the end of each level the time in between the bleeps is shortened and you therefore have to run faster to keep up with the pace. The recruit pass mark is level 5.4. This involves running for approximately 3 minutes 40 seconds. If you do not think you can achieve this level, you should ensure you start improving your fitness levels as soon as you can. Please check with your doctor before making any big changes to your fitness regime.

Financial Position

Police officers and police staff are in a privileged position with regard to access of information and are potentially vulnerable to corruption. Most of us have debts such as mortgages, student or other loans, and credit/store card debts. Applicants to the police service should not be under pressure from undischarged debts or liabilities and should be able to manage their debt sensibly.

Dependent upon your circumstances, it’s unlikely that you will pass our vetting process if you have an existing county court judgment outstanding.

If you have been registered as bankrupt, and your bankruptcy debts have been discharged, you are unlikely to receive clearance until three years after the discharge of the debt. Debt relief orders (DROs) are treated in the same way as a bankruptcy.

If you are the subject of a current Individual Voluntary Arrangement you will be required to provide supporting documentation and proof of regular payments over a number of months.

You could run a free credit report before completing your application to view any defaulted accounts or County Court Judgements that may be resolved or managed before you submit your vetting application.

Cautions and Convictions

Cautions or convictions will not necessarily preclude you from joining Northumbria Police. It will depend on the nature and the circumstances of the offence. However, an applicant’s honesty and integrity will be brought into question if information is considered to have been purposely withheld during the vetting process.

Each case will be considered on its individual merits.

Circumstances that will prevent you from passing our vetting process include:

offences were committed as an adult or juvenile which resulted in a prison sentence (including custodial, suspended or deferred sentence and sentences served at a young offenders’ institution or community home)
the applicant is or has been a registered sex offender or is subject to a registration requirement in respect of any other conviction.

The following circumstances may also result in rejection:

offences where vulnerable people were targeted
offences motivated by hate or discrimination
offences of domestic abuse

Age

You must be aged 17 years or over to apply. If successful in the application process you are not able to start employment until you turn 18 and have the required qualifications.

There is no upper age limit for applying to the police service. However, please bear in mind the normal retirement age for police officers is 60 years and new recruits are required to undertake a probationary period of three years.

Residency

You must have been continually resident in the UK for the three-year period immediately before an application is made. This is to satisfy the requirement to vet all applicants in an equitable manner. If you have travelled overseas on a gap year or similar, we consider that to be on an extended holiday and you have therefore maintained residency in the UK (generally considered 12 months or under).

Dress and Appearance

You will need to look smart and clean at all times when representing the Force on any duty. Religious or cultural clothing can be worn, provided it is suitable for the purpose.

Headwear – If you wear a turban or an Imama Shareef a force badge must be on display. Anyone wearing a hijab or skullcap must wear their headwear over it when on foot patrol.

Facial hair – operational officers should not have a long beard, because of health and safety risks; although we can make exceptions for religious reasons.

Jewellery – Religious requirements to wear jewellery are judged on their own merit. They are only allowed if not a significant health and safety risk and unobtrusive.

Membership of proscribed organisation or other group

We have a policy to prevent officers and staff from becoming members of organisations or groups whose aims, objectives or pronouncements may contradict our duty to promote equality (e.g. BNP, Combat 18, National Front etc.). Therefore, if you are a member of a proscribed organisation or other group, you will not be accepted.

Tattoos

Tattoos do not prevent applicants from becoming a Police Officer. However, tattoos on the face are not acceptable other than for religious or medical reasons. In addition, tattoos, whether visible or otherwise should not:

undermine the dignity and authority of the office of constable;
cause offence to members of the public or colleagues and/or invite provocation
indicate unacceptable attitudes towards any individual or section of the community
indicate alignment with a particular group which could give offence to members of the public or colleagues; and
be considered inflammatory, rude, lewd, crude, racist, sexist, sectarian, homophobic, violent or intimidating

Although tattoos will not prohibit applicants from joining Northumbria Police (subject to the above), it is recommended they are covered when at work to maintain a professional image. The dress and appearance protocol outlines that officers should wear appropriate work wear which covers tattoos as far as possible when at work, which will be issued accordingly.

If your tattoo is determined as not acceptable, your application will not be progressed.

Business Interests

You must declare any other employment or business interests you intend to maintain.

The purpose of this is to ensure business interests and additional occupations do not conflict with the work of the police, undermine public confidence or adversely affect the reputation of the police officer or Northumbria Police.

Police Officers, and certain police staff roles, are restricted from taking an active part in political activity, such as stand as a member of parliament/local authority or be an officer of a politically party.

Driving

You must have a full UK manual driving licence or such overseas license as is recognised by the UK licensing authorities as permitting the holder to drive manual cars in the UK. But, we do accommodate for applicants who don’t drive due to a disability.

Nationality and Eligibility Check

To be eligible for appointment, you must be a British citizen or resident in the UK free of restrictions (e.g., under the EU Settlement scheme or through the UK’s post-Brexit points-based immigration rules).

If you are not a British citizen, you must provide proof during the recruitment process that you have no restrictions on your stay in the UK and that you have the right to work in the UK. Information on UK immigration rules can be found on the government visa and immigration website.

Inappropriate Associations

If you have a family member, friend or associate who you know has criminal convictions, or you believe that they are, or have been, involved in criminal activity then you should declare this within your application. You should explain what your association is with that person, how often you see them, what your relationship with them is like and what steps you have taken to disassociate yourself from their criminal actions. You must provide as much information as possible based on what you know.

Having an inappropriate association does not necessarily mean that you won’t be granted a vetting clearance.

Inappropriate Social Media Content

The College of Policing advise us to look for inappropriate comments, behaviour and views on publicly available social media accounts to ensure the applicant’s online behaviour is compatible with the Code of Ethics and Standards of Professional Behaviour. We therefore conduct social media checks on all applicants and consider every social media account, such as Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Tik Tok, YouTube etc.

Full Declaration on Vetting

Where relevant information is not declared at the vetting stage, the presumption is that the applicant’s honesty and integrity are in question. This may lead to you being refused clearance. Many people claim they were told by the police officer that dealt with them that there would not be a record of the event. You should presume that everything is recorded and failure to mention it will have an adverse effect on your application. If you declare something which is not relevant, the Force Vetting Unit will discount it.

Frequently asked questions about our vetting process

What are the most common mistakes when completing vetting applications and how can these be avoided?Rebecca Quinn2023-08-25T11:07:08+01:00

What are the most common mistakes when completing vetting applications and how can these be avoided?

Missing information – take your time and carefully read through the questions and any available guidance.
Always be honest – if you’re asking yourself whether you need to declare something on your vetting form, include it.
If you can’t remember or provide specific details. Include a rationale detailing why.
Provide your full address history (including any student accommodation).
Always provide a full list of family members, including half siblings, stepfamily and the full details of a partner or spouse.
Not including details of boyfriend/girlfriend under the spouse/partner section (we require details of those with whom you are co-residing as partners or those you are married or in a civil partnership with)
Make sure you provide maiden names, dates of birth and addresses for all the people listed on your vetting forms.
Declare all previous interactions with the police. All police involvement is recorded on our systems; fail to declare it and your honesty and integrity will come into question.
Include details of any criminal associates.

How do I let you know there has been a change in my personal circumstances?Rebecca Quinn2022-06-15T08:36:18+01:00

How do I let you know there has been a change in my personal circumstances?

It is important that the Force Vetting Unit is made aware of any changes in your personal circumstances both during and after the vetting process. You are responsible for communicating these changes.

You should make the Force Vetting Unit aware of:

Any change in your personal or financial circumstances (e.g. new spouse/partner, dependent or co-resident, new loans or mortgages etc.)
Any significant change to your role which might be sufficient to require a different level of vetting.
Any convictions or cautions for criminal offences or involvement in criminal investigations relating to either yourself or anyone included on your original vetting or application forms.

Will I be told the reasons for a refusal?Rebecca Quinn2022-06-15T08:35:44+01:00

Will I be told the reasons for a refusal?

There are many reasons why an applicant can be refused and where possible the applicant will be told the reasons. However there are a number of situations where they cannot be told because the information held may relate to a family member, criminal associate or may be subject of an exemption from disclosure under the Data Protection Act.

Can I appeal if I am refused?Rebecca Quinn2023-08-25T11:09:07+01:00

Can I appeal if I am refused?

You may appeal a vetting decision where you believe one or more of the following factors apply.

Further information is available that was not considered by the decision maker
The vetting rejection was disproportionate considering the circumstances or details of the case
The decision was perverse or unreasonable
No explanation was given for the decision

Any appeal must be in writing and must clearly set out the grounds for appeal. Appeals are dealt with by a senior officer or member of staff who is independent of the original decision-making process and has not been previously involved in the case. Applicants should address their appeal to the Force Vetting Unit in the first instance who will pass the appeal, along with any rationale for the decision, to a senior officer or member of staff who will look into the case and respond directly to the applicant.

How long does the vetting procedure take?Rebecca Quinn2023-08-25T11:10:17+01:00

How long does the vetting procedure take?

Each case is treated on its merits and therefore it depends on what information is found during the checks. Sometimes it is necessary to call the applicant to interview so that their personal may be discussed and sometimes it is necessary to make enquiries in other forces or with other bodies. Therefore, we do not give a set time to complete a vetting file but deal with them as quickly as possible.

Choose your entry route

Police Constable Degree Apprenticeship

(if you want to be a uniformed officer but you don’t have a degree)

Police Constable Entry Programme (PCEP)

(if you want to be a uniformed officer but you don’t have a degree)

Degree Holder Entry Programme (DHEP)

(if you want to be a uniformed officer and you have a degree)

Graduate Detective Programme
(GDP)

(if you want to be a detective and you have a degree)

Ready to apply? Sign up to a Information Event today

Before you apply to become a detective through our graduate programme, or a police officer through our degree holder programme, degree apprenticeship or police constable entry programme you’ll need to join a mandatory virtual information event.

Here, you’ll gain insight into what working as a detective or uniformed police officer at Northumbria Police is really like, find out more about the application process and how to prepare for the role, eligibility requirements, police officer pay & benefits, and you’ll have the opportunity to speak to current officers about life at #teamnp.

Once you have signed up and registered your interest, we will be in touch with an email inviting you to book on to a information event of your preferred date and time.