Join us as a neighbourhood officer

What does a neighbourhood officer do?

Being a neighbourhood officer is all about finding solutions, building trust, and creating safer streets for everyone. Their role is to:

  • Protect those who need it most
    Be a visible and reassuring presence in communities, preventing crime and protecting the vulnerable.  

  • Build bridges and solve problems to strengthen communities
    Neighbourhood officers work with local organisations and schools to tackle the root causes of crime. 

  • Be a local expert
    You’ll build expert knowledge of your patch, and be proactive in making decisions to improve the lives of residents.    

What skills make a good neighbourhood officer?

  • Analyse critically
    You will have a methodical approach to solving multiple complex problems, while also being curious, innovative, and open-minded in finding solutions.

  • Communicative and collaborative
    You will be able to develop meaningful relationships with individuals and partner agencies, allowing you to communicate and persuade effectively.

  • You take ownership
    You take accountability for an area or issue and can work both independently and as part of a team to make decisions.

Become a Northumbria Police neighbourhood officer

What is life like as a neighbourhood officer?

You’ll be earning from day one of your training as a neighbourhood officer, with a salary of £29,907 plus a generous shift allowance.

Neighbourhood officers work a mix of day and late shifts. Depending on the area you’re based in, the latest shift you work finishes at 3am. Many of our neighbourhood officers say their shift pattern allows for a good work-life balance compared to other policing roles.  

Neighbourhood officers executing a raid on a commercial property
Officers at the airport conducting searches as part of a high visibility presence
Neighbourhood officer engaging with members of the public in a residential area
Neighbourhood officers executing high visibility patrols at a local event
Neighbourhood officers on a foot chase in a residential area following a case with motorcycle related anti-social behaviour

What are my long-term career options?

Neighbourhood policing is a great foundation for a varied career. The expertise you gain is a great fit for working in Prevention, Community Engagement and other public facing roles.  

You’ll also have the opportunity to progress through the ranks – from first-line leadership to senior leadership roles.

Next steps

The first step to training as a neighbourhood officer is to choose which of the below entry routes work for you:

Don't yet have a degree but want to work towards one?

Join our 3 year degree apprenticeship programme.

Learn more

Already have a degree?

Join our 2 year graduate programme to become a neighbourhood officer.

Learn more

Don't have a degree and prefer not to study towards one?

Choose our non-degree entry route to become a neighbourhood officer.

Learn more

Take your first steps into policing

Before you apply to become a 999 response officer, detective or neighbourhood officer you’ll need to join a mandatory information event.

Here, you’ll gain insight into what working 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.

We’ll also guide you through the different entry routes available, including the degree apprenticeship, graduate programme, and experience-led pathways — so you can choose the route that’s right for you.

Choose your preferred date below to sign up for an upcoming online Teams event.
Can’t make these sessions? We’ll be running events all year, check back for later dates. 

20th August 6pm – 8pm
3rd September 6pm – 8pm