Police Officer

Police officers work to prevent, reduce and investigate crime. Their role is to uphold the law, maintain order and make communities safer.

Their duties might include:

• patrolling on foot or by car
• responding to calls for help from the public
• dealing with traffic accidents, assaults and other emergencies
• arresting suspects
• searching people, premises and vehicles
• interviewing witnesses
• giving court evidence
• keeping records
• helping to control crowds
• working with community groups to resolve local problems.

Officers may patrol alone or with colleagues. They work closely with the other emergency services.

Some officers are assigned to traffic control duties. Some forces have river patrols, underwater search teams and officers who patrol on horseback.

Most officers work shifts, totalling around 40 hours a week. Shifts include early, late and night work, and some weekends and public holidays. Part-time work may be possible.

Though based at police stations, officers spend much of their time on patrol in the community. They may visit almost any location and work outdoors in all types of weather.

Salaries vary between forces, but generally start from around £22,000 for student officers, rising to £34,500 for new sergeants and £60,000 or more for the highest-ranking officers.

Police officers must be:

• good communicators
• alert, observant and accurate
• honest
• persistent
• confident and cool under pressure
• physically and mentally robust
• good at working in a team
• tolerant
• able to observe confidentiality.

Police officers are employed by the 43 regional police forces, as well as non-geographic forces such as the British Transport Police, Ministry of Defence Police and Civil Nuclear Constabulary.

Police officers must be at least 17½ years old. There are no set academic qualifications. Both the Diploma in society, health and development and the Diploma in public services may be relevant.

Applicants must pass a fitness test, eyesight test and medical examination. They then attend an assessment centre to take further tests, including written exercises.

The probationary period is two years. Student officers learn through classroom study and practical experience.

Experienced officers can seek promotion through the police service structure. From constable, the normal progression is to sergeant and then inspector. Constables may also specialise by joining units such as Criminal Investigation Department (CID), which handles more serious crimes.

Further details