Police Officer Transferees

Looking for a fresh challenge in the North East? If you’re considering relocating and want to take the next step in your policing career, Northumbria Police is now welcoming transferee applications – especially from officers with specialist skills.

Discover transferee opportunities

Transferee opportunities

Are you currently serving as a police officer and ready for something new? We would love to hear from you if you have experience in any of the following:

  • PIP2-qualified detective
  • Substantive sergeant
  • Any other specialist skills
  • Neighbourhood policing background or a willingness to work in this area

Once you apply, we’ll assess your experience alongside our current resourcing needs.

To be eligible, you must be currently serving or recently serving (within the last five years) and have completed your probationary period. You must be or have been serving with a Home Office Force, or Police Scotland/PSNI.

Why should you choose Northumbria Police?

Transferring to Northumbria Police means joining a forward-thinking force that offers opportunities for development, progression, and growth. With clear pathways and access to a wide range of specialist roles, you’ll be supported to build a rewarding and long-term career.

Our force area spans everything from rural landscapes of Northumberland to the vibrant urban centres of Newcastle and Sunderland. This variety brings a rich mix of challenges, experiences, and opportunities to make a real difference in our communities.

Career progression & variety

We offer roles in specialist police units that are not available in all forces, including our Mounted Unit, Dog Section, and Marine Unit, giving officers the chance to develop unique skills in unique specialisms. 

Career development and promotion isn’t limited to a single annual event, but a pathway of development. You’ll have the flexibility to complete the pathway at a time that’s right for you, and a portfolio of development allows you to make the work you do every day count towards your assessment.

Unique policing challenges

Our force area offers a diverse range of policing experiences including: 

  • Fast-paced city policing in Newcastle and Sunderland 
  • Night-time economy operations 
  • Rural and cross-country policing across Northumberland, England’s least populated county

Excellent location

The Northumbria Police force area offers the perfect blend of city and countryside on your doorstep – making it a fantastic base to live and work. The North East boasts a significantly more affordable cost of living and housing market compared with many other regions. 

Beyond Newcastle’s vibrant culture and nightlife, it’s an ideal location for families with some of the country’s best coastline on offer in Northumberland and outstanding schools across the region. Whether you’re relocating with family, moving with a partner, or looking for a fresh start to progress your career, Northumbria truly has something for everyone.

Transferee Eligibility

You may be eligible to join us as a police officer transferee if you meet our essential entry requirements, including: 

  • You must be a substantive police officer and have completed your probationary period 
  • You can verify your absence history, providing referees to verify the past 12 months
  • You have no outstanding integrity matters
Transferee entry requirements

Pay & continued service entitlement

Officers are paid according to the national police pay scale for their rank (excluding local allowances). 

Those transferring from forces that have salary enhancements or allowances (e.g. London Weighting) will be aligned to the Northumbria Police’s pay structure, with minimal financial determinant or gain. If you re-join at the same rank, you will return on the salary point you were on when you left.

Continuous service & entitlement

Recognisable service from any eligible police force will transfer with you, so you will continue to receive your pay and annual increments, regardless of any break in service.

Transferee police officer benefits

We position wellbeing as a core part of our employment offer, not an afterthought. As a police officer transferee, you’ll receive all of the same benefits as our regular officers including:

Elevated family-friendly policies, including six months' paid maternity leave, to give you the flexibility to take time out when it matters most.

Join our sports & social club to take part in the thriving sport scene at Northumbria, including access to on-site gyms.

Access to discounts and rewards, including car lease scheme, and local travel discounts on the Metro and Northern Rail.

Officer pay & benefits

Application Process

There’s a seven-step process to transfer to us.

If you need any support with your application, or have any questions about joining Northumbria Police, you can contact the recruitment team.

Contact the Recruitment Team
  • 01

    Eligibility:

    Review all vetting, medical and suitability criteria before applying.

  • 02

    Application form:

    Answer three questions on your skills and motivation for joining Northumbria.

  • 03

    Interview:

    A two-person panel assessing competencies, motivation and scenarios, plus current policing topics.

  • 04

    Record check:

    We request your OHU and PSD records – anything you can do to speed this up helps us.

  • 05

    Conditional offer:

    If successful, you’ll receive a conditional offer and paperwork to start checks.

  • 06

    Pre-employment checks:

    Includes fitness test, references, medical, vetting, biometrics, fingerprints and uniform fitting.

  • 07

    Final offer:

    Once all checks are passed, you’ll receive a final offer with at least 28 days’ notice.

Contact the Recruitment Team

Frequently asked questions

Considering transferring, but have questions before you apply? Our FAQs bring together the information people ask us about most, from medical checks to relocation expenses.    

Discover all transferee FAQs
  • Are you eligible to transfer police forces?

    To transfer as an officer, you must be serving or have previously served (in the last 5 years) and have completed your probationary period. You must be or have been serving with a Home Office Force, or Police Scotland/PSNI. Please refer to our additional eligibility criteria for more info.

  • Can you apply to transfer if you are currently absent due to sickness?

    If you are successful at interview for a transfer position, you will be required to pass the fitness test. It is therefore expected that you will be fit and currently fulfilling your current role at the time of applying.

  • Can you apply to transfer if you are currently on a career break?

    Being on a career break does not prevent you from applying for a transfer to a police officer role in Northumbria. However, you must have returned to your force prior to any transfer taking place.

  • Can you apply to transfer if you are working part-time?

    If you’re working part-time hours in your current force, we can still accept an application from you. If you’re successful, you will need to apply for flexible working. We’ll assess this application against the needs of your department and the shift you’re joining, as well as taking into account your own needs for part time hours. 

Discover all transferee FAQs

Ready for the challenge?

Explore opportunities to transfer and start your application today.

Discover transferee opportunities