Do you have what it takes?

Our police officers are willing to work hard to learn the skills necessary for this difficult but critical role. If you are resourceful, good with people and are able to work under your own initiative, you may have exactly what it takes.

We are committed to equal opportunities in recruitment and also in creating a police service that reflects the diversity of the communities we serve. We do welcome applications from women and minority ethnic members of the community that are currently under represented in our workforce, however all candidates are assessed on merit alone.

Requirements:

Age
Are you between 18 and 56 years of age?

There is no upper age limit for applying but normal retirement age for constables is 60 years. Following legislative changes for employees that were introduced on 5 April 2011, please note that the compulsory age for retirement of officers will remain at the age of 60.

New recruits must complete a minimum two-year probationary period. 

Nationality
You must be a British citizen, an EC/ EEA national or a Commonwealth citizen or foreign national with no restrictions on your stay in the United Kingdom.

Height
There are no height restrictions.

Driving licence
You must hold a full UK driving licence.

Health
You must be physically fit and in good health. All candidates undertake a medical and will be required to undergo hearing and lung function tests.

Vision
You must have good unaided vision, not suffer from any morbid eye conditions or any condition liable to aggravation or reoccurrence.

Severe colour vision deficiencies (monochromats) are not accepted. However, other defects in colour vision are unlikely to be a bar to entry.

Tattoos
Any tattoos which could cause offence to any person will exclude you from applying, however all applicants will be assessed on an individual basis.

Criminal record
Convictions or cautions will not necessarily prevent you joining. It will depend on the nature and circumstances of the offence. Your application may be terminated if you fail to disclose any convictions or cautions.

We also have a policy of prohibiting any of our officers, staff and volunteers from becoming members of the BNP or similar organisations whose aims or pronouncements may contradict our duty to promote race equality.

Business interests
Any business interests must be declared to ensure they do not conflict with Force policy.

Financial vetting
Applicants to the police service should not be under pressure from undischarged debts or liabilities and should be able to manage loans and debts sensibly to avoid making themselves vulnerable to corruption.

Applicants who have county court judgements that have been satisfied may be considered.

Applicants who have been registered as bankrupt but their bankruptcy debts have been discharged will only be considered after three years from discharge of the debt.

Applicants who have existing county court judgements outstanding against them or who have been registered bankrupt and their bankruptcy debts have not been discharged will NOT be considered.