Question 1

Can I join the police with tattoos?

Accepted Answer

Yes, in most cases. UK police forces generally accept tattoos that are covered by uniform and do not contain offensive, discriminatory, or extremist content. Tattoos on the face, neck, and hands are usually not permitted for uniformed officers. Policies vary significantly between forces — always check directly with your target force.

Question 2

What is the fitness test for joining the police?

Accepted Answer

Most forces use the bleep test (multi-stage fitness test) at Level 5.4, plus a dynamic strength test (push 34kg / pull 35kg) and sometimes a grip strength test. Some forces use a Job-Related Fitness Test (JRFT) instead of or alongside the bleep test. Specialist roles such as Armed Response require higher fitness levels (Level 8.1+). Standards vary by force.

Question 3

How long does police vetting take?

Accepted Answer

Management Vetting (MV), required for all officers and staff, typically takes 3–6 months. Higher-level clearances (SC, DV) can take 4–18 months. You can help speed up the process by providing complete and accurate information on all forms.

Question 4

Can I join the police with a criminal record?

Accepted Answer

It depends on the nature of the offence. Police vetting reviews all convictions including spent ones. Minor historical matters may not be disqualifying. Serious offences — particularly violence, sexual offences, dishonesty, and drug supply — are likely to bar you. Each case is considered individually. Always disclose honestly.

Question 5

What is the minimum age to join the police?

Accepted Answer

You must be at least 17 years old to apply to most UK forces, though you cannot be attested as a constable until you are 18. There is no upper age limit — forces cannot discriminate on grounds of age.

Question 6

Do I need a degree to join the police?

Accepted Answer

Not necessarily, but degree-level education is built into all three current entry routes: the PCDA (apprenticeship), DHEP (for degree holders), and Pre-Join Degree. Some forces are also piloting alternative non-degree routes. Check the College of Policing's latest guidance.

Question 7

Can I join the police if I wear glasses or contact lenses?

Accepted Answer

Yes. The minimum corrected vision standard is 6/12 in each eye. The uncorrected standard is typically 6/36 minimum. Laser eye surgery is generally accepted if stable for 12+ months post-procedure.

Question 8

How much do new police officers earn?

Accepted Answer

Starting salary for a new constable is approximately £28,551 per year (2025/26), rising to around £46,044 at the top of the constable pay scale. Metropolitan Police officers receive London Weighting, bringing starting pay to approximately £35,000.

Question 9

What is the police assessment centre like?

Accepted Answer

The police assessment centre typically includes a competency-based interview, a group exercise, a written exercise, and a role-play or interactive exercise. Each element is scored against the College of Policing's Competency and Values Framework (CVF). The interview uses STAR-format questions.

Question 10

How long is police training?

Accepted Answer

Initial training varies by entry route. The PCDA (apprenticeship) runs for 3 years. The DHEP (degree holder route) takes 2 years. Both combine on-the-job learning with academic study.

Question 11

What is the police starting salary in England and Wales?

Accepted Answer

As of 2025/26, new police constable recruits typically start on approximately £28,551 per year, rising to approximately £46,044 at the top of the constable scale. Figures are set annually by the Police Remuneration Review Body.

Question 12

What is London Weighting and how much is it?

Accepted Answer

London Weighting is additional pay for Metropolitan Police officers reflecting the higher cost of living in London. It brings starting pay to approximately £35,000 per year for new recruits.

Question 13

How does police overtime work?

Accepted Answer

Officers who work beyond rostered hours are entitled to time off in lieu (TOIL) or, in some circumstances, overtime payment. The rate and entitlement depend on the circumstances and force policy.

Question 14

What sick pay do police officers receive?

Accepted Answer

Police officers generally receive full pay for the first 26 weeks of sickness absence, reducing to half pay for a further 26 weeks. Further entitlement after 12 months depends on length of service.

Question 15

What is the police pension like?

Accepted Answer

Officers who joined on or after April 2015 are in the Police Pension Scheme 2015 (CARE scheme). You contribute approximately 13.4–14.25% of pensionable pay. Benefits accrue at 1/55.5th of pensionable earnings per year. Normal pension age is 60.

Question 16

How do I become a police sergeant?

Accepted Answer

To become a sergeant, you must pass the National Police Promotions Framework (NPPF) Step 2 process, which includes a written examination, a competency portfolio, and an assessment centre.

Question 17

What is the National Police Promotions Framework (NPPF)?

Accepted Answer

The NPPF is the College of Policing's national framework for police promotions. It provides a standardised process for promotion from constable to sergeant (Step 2) and sergeant to inspector (Step 3).

Question 18

How long does police promotion typically take?

Accepted Answer

There is no fixed timeline. On average, officers pursuing promotion actively may reach sergeant in 5–10 years, though some achieve it in 3–4 years. Inspector is typically 2–4 years beyond sergeant.

Question 19

What is the IOPC?

Accepted Answer

The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) is the independent body that oversees the police complaints system in England and Wales. It investigates the most serious complaints and conduct matters involving police officers.

Question 20

Can I get legal advice if I am investigated as a police officer?

Accepted Answer

Yes. You have the right to legal representation at any misconduct meeting or hearing. The Police Federation of England and Wales (PFEW) provides legal assistance to its members. Contact your Federation rep as early as possible if you become subject to any investigation.

Question 21

Can a police officer be dismissed?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Dismissal is the most serious outcome of a misconduct hearing and results in permanent removal from the police service. Officers dismissed for gross misconduct are placed on the College of Policing's Barred List, preventing future employment in policing in England and Wales.

Question 22

Where can I get mental health support as a police officer?

Accepted Answer

Forces have occupational health and employee assistance programme (EAP) services. Oscar Kilo (National Police Wellbeing Service) provides resources and signposting. Police Care UK offers specialist trauma support. Mind Blue Light provides tailored mental health resources for emergency services.

Question 23

Who are Oscar Kilo?

Accepted Answer

Oscar Kilo is the National Police Wellbeing Service, established by the College of Policing. They provide training, resources, research, and tools to support physical and mental wellbeing across policing in England and Wales. Their website is oscarkilo.org.uk.

Question 24

What shift patterns do police officers work?

Accepted Answer

The most common patterns for response teams are 4-on-4-off (two 12-hour days, two 12-hour nights, four rest days), continental shifts, and 5-2 patterns. Neighbourhood policing and detective roles often work more office-based hours. Patterns vary significantly by force and department.

Question 25

How does the 4-on-4-off shift pattern work?

Accepted Answer

The 4-on-4-off pattern involves working four shifts on (two 12-hour days followed by two 12-hour nights), then four rest days. This cycle repeats continuously, meaning you work approximately 42% of calendar days, including weekends, bank holidays, and nights.

Question 26

Can police officers work part-time?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Police officers have the right to request flexible working arrangements, including part-time hours, subject to operational requirements. Many officers work part-time for childcare or health reasons.

Police FAQ: 40+ Questions Answered

Can I join the police with tattoos?Joining

What is the fitness test for joining the police?Joining

How long does police vetting take?Joining

Can I join the police with a criminal record?Joining

What is the minimum age to join the police?Joining

Do I need a degree to join the police?Joining

Can I join the police if I wear glasses or contact lenses?Joining

How much do new police officers earn?Joining

What is the police assessment centre like?Joining

How long is police training?Joining

What is the police starting salary in England and Wales?Pay

What is London Weighting and how much is it?Pay

How does police overtime work?Pay

What sick pay do police officers receive?Pay

When do police officers get a pay rise?Pay

What is the police pension like?Pay

How much annual leave do police officers get?Pay

What allowances and additional pay can officers receive?Pay

How do I become a police sergeant?Promotion

What is the National Police Promotions Framework (NPPF)?Promotion

When are the NPPF promotion exams held?Promotion

How long does promotion typically take?Promotion

What is the NPPF sergeant exam pass rate?Promotion

What is the Superintendents' and Inspectors' Promotion (SIPP) pilot?Promotion

What happens if I am under criminal or misconduct investigation?Legal

What is the IOPC?Legal

Can I get legal advice if I am investigated?Legal

What is reflective practice in police misconduct?Legal

Can a police officer be dismissed?Legal

What are a police officer's rights during misconduct proceedings?Legal

Where can I get mental health support as a police officer?Wellbeing

What support is available for shift work stress and fatigue?Wellbeing

Is there financial advice available for officers?Wellbeing

What support is available for police officers' families?Wellbeing

Who are Oscar Kilo?Wellbeing

What shift patterns do police officers work?Shift Life

How does the 4-on-4-off shift pattern work?Shift Life

Can police officers work part-time?Shift Life

What happens to rest days?Shift Life

How does annual leave work with shifts?Shift Life