1. Who are we looking for?
Your suitability will depend on the role you’re interested in, as each one has slightly different requirements. However, we’re here to help by providing some general guidance, along with the key eligibility criteria to get you started.
Candidates need to be at least 16 years old to apply for most roles with Devon & Cornwall Police. However, for roles that involve shift work—such as evenings or late finishes—you’ll need to be aged 18 or over. This is to make sure you’re able to safely work the required hours and meet the demands of the role.
We know that people come to us at different stages in their lives and careers, so whether you’re just starting out or considering a new direction, there could be an opportunity for you
Everyone working for Devon & Cornwall Police, whether in uniform or not, holds a position of responsibility and trust within our communities. Because of this, we’re looking for people who demonstrate integrity and a commitment to doing the right thing.
If you have a previous conviction, this doesn’t automatically prevent you from applying. Each application is carefully considered, taking into account the nature of the offence and the circumstances, to ensure a fair and balanced approach.
If you’re applying from outside the UK, you’ll need to have the right to live and work here. This means having valid permission to enter and remain in the UK before starting your role.
For European Economic Area (EEA) nationals, this will usually mean having EU settled or pre-settled status.
Depending on the role you apply for, there are also minimum requirements for how long must be left on your visa or status at the point of application:
- Administrative roles: You’ll need at least 1.5 years remaining on your visa or pre-settled status
- Communication Officer roles and other specialist positions (including Dedicated Detention Officers): You’ll need at least 2.5 years remaining, as these roles involve more extensive training
If you’re unsure about your eligibility, we encourage you to get in touch—we’re here to help and support you through the process.
Qualifications aren’t always required for every role. In some cases, specific qualifications will be needed—for example, a fingerprint examiner would require specialist expertise and registration with the appropriate professional body.
For most roles, we focus on the skills and competencies needed to do the job well.
When applying, you’ll have the opportunity to show how your experience, strengths, and abilities match what we’re looking for.
The skills we’re looking for will vary depending on the role. However, qualities like good communication, teamwork, and a positive approach to working with others are valued across all areas.
We also look for people who show resilience, a strong focus on customer service, and a genuine respect for diversity and inclusion.
Everyone who joins Devon & Cornwall Police will go through a vetting process. This is an important part of making sure we maintain the trust and confidence of our communities, and that the right checks are in place for people in positions of responsibility.
Vetting helps ensure that all our officers and staff meet the high standards expected of them, while also protecting the public and the organisation as a whole.
You can find out more about what’s involved in the vetting process in the national-convictions-guidlines pdf.
