A police officer is responsible for maintaining law and order, protecting the public, and preventing and investigating crimes. The job involves patrolling neighbourhoods, responding to emergency calls, interviewing witnesses, making arrests, and gathering evidence. Police officers often work closely with local communities to build trust and address issues such as anti-social behaviour and crime prevention. The role can be physically and emotionally demanding, requiring good judgement, communication skills, and a strong sense of fairness. Officers can specialise in areas such as detective work, firearms, or dog handling as their career progresses.
The average starting salary for a police constable ranges from £28,551 to £30,957 per year, depending on location and force.
As of 2023, there are approximately 149,000 police officers and staff employed by police forces across the UK.
Police officers typically work an average of 40 hours per week, with shifts that can include nights, weekends, and public holidays.
A police officer who works closely with specially trained dogs to help detect drugs, explosives, or track missing people.
A police officer who focuses on road safety, investigating traffic incidents, and enforcing driving laws.
A uniformed officer who works in local communities to prevent crime, offer support, and build relationships with residents.
Learn about what police officers do, their responsibilities, and what qualities are needed for the job.
Explore official police force websites, watch documentaries, and read articles about daily police work. Consider speaking to current officers at local recruitment events to get first-hand insights into the career.
Ensure you meet the basic eligibility criteria such as age, citizenship, and criminal record requirements.
In the UK, you usually need to be at least 18 years old and a British citizen or have indefinite leave to remain. Police forces will check for any criminal convictions and assess your physical fitness and medical suitability.
Make sure you have at least a Level 3 qualification (such as A levels or equivalent), or relevant work experience.
While police forces do not always require a degree, they do expect good literacy and numeracy skills. Some forces now offer Police Constable Degree Apprenticeships, allowing you to earn while you learn.
Choose between a degree in professional policing, a Police Constable Degree Apprenticeship, or the traditional initial training programme.
The three main entry routes are: completing a professional policing degree before applying, joining through an apprenticeship with a police force, or using an existing degree in another subject to access an accelerated programme.
Complete the application process with your chosen police force via their recruitment portal.
Each force has its own recruitment cycle and application process. You will usually need to provide personal details, qualifications, and answer competency-based questions.
Undergo a series of assessments, interviews, and background checks.
You will complete situational judgement tests, written exercises, and interviews. Successful applicants must also pass medical, eyesight, fitness, and security checks before receiving an offer.
Attend the police training academy and complete your probationary period.
Initial training covers law, police procedures, and practical skills. New officers are supported throughout their probation, which usually lasts two years, before becoming fully qualified.
Please note that this may not be a comprehensive list of available apprenticeships. To view a more complete collection, visit the Find an apprenticeship service.
Click on any card to be redirected to their vacancy page.
Royal Navy
( Added 04 Jun 2024 - 558 positions available )
Could you become part of the world’s most elite amphibious force and wear the coveted green beret? It’s not for everybody, that’s for sure. Digging deep to aim high, you’ll stop for nothing. In the most hostile environments, and on the most treacherous terrain.
Closing date: in 8 months
Possible start date: 02 Jun 2026
Royal Navy
( Added 04 Jun 2024 - 20 positions available )
Being a Intelligence Analyst means you’re vital to the Royal Navy's intelligence gathering operation. The go-to for information that shapes the operational decision-making process. Your insight will transform raw data into an indispensable analysis of the situation. You’ll also use your keen eye for detail to prepare briefings for senior officers.
Closing date: in 8 months
Possible start date: 02 Jun 2026
This page showcases various career options and the pathways to reach them. Each career listed here shares transferable skills and knowledge, making it easier for individuals to transition between them.
Your current career is highlighted to help you see how it fits into the broader landscape of potential career choices. By clicking on any career, you can learn more about it, including the training and education required to pursue it.
Remember, progressing in your career often involves further learning and training. This page provides insights into future career options as well as those that can lead up to your current one.
These career progression decisions are informed by comparing the skills and knowledge needed for different occupations, along with data on how people move between them. Explore the possibilities and discover the exciting journey ahead in your career!
Both Police Officer and Royal Marines officer require a strong sense of discipline, leadership skills, and the ability to operate in challenging environments. They also involve responsibilities related to public safety, strategic planning, and teamwork, making them closely aligned in terms of qualifications and skill sets.
You can get into this job through:
You can join the Royal Marines Reserve as an entry officer to get experience of life in the service and to learn new skills at the same time.
You'll need to be aged between 18 and 42, or 18 and 56 if you're an ex-regular.
If you're between 13 and 18 years old, you can join the Royal Marines Cadets.
You can apply directly for marines officer training.
You'll need to be:
You'll also usually need a minimum of:
If your initial application is accepted, you'll be invited to talk to someone at your local armed forces careers office about what you want to do. You will then do the Defence Aptitude Assessment (DAA) followed by medical and physical fitness checks, and interviews.
If you get through the first stages, you will be asked to attend a two-and-a-half-day course at the Royal Marines training centre at Lympstone in Devon. If successful, you'll go onto full officer training.
You will complete a Chartered Management Institute qualification in Management and Leadership during training. You may take other qualifications depending on which specialism you choose to follow.
You will need to pass physical fitness assessments, including swimming, to be accepted into the Royal Navy. Get fit to Join has information on how to check your current fitness and how to improve to the level required.
You can find more details about how to become an officer in the Royal Marines from Royal Navy Careers.
Explore other careers or use our AI to discover personalised paths based on your interests.
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