Join as a police officer
Police officers play a vital role in keeping our communities safe, whether they’re on the streets, working face to face with the general public, or behind the scenes, delivering a range of specialist services and improving how we police the county.
It’s not easy, but it is rewarding - packed with new and interesting experiences every day.
There are few careers that offer the variety of a police constable. Long term, you might wish to become a detective, a specialist dog handler or firearms officers. You may be a tech wiz and decide to become a cybercrime specialist or financial crime investigator. There are many specialised roles within the force, including supporting victims of child abuse, road traffic collisions, and counter terrorism. But whatever you choose, how far you go, is up to you.
Click on the links below to find out which roles are currently available, which routes into the police suit you best, the responsibilities, pay, benefits and training you’ll receive and how to apply.
If you have previously passed your online assessment with any force your score is valid for 24 months from the date of your assessment. If you wish to use this to apply to Northamptonshire Police please email a copy of your feedback report to [email protected]. This will enable us to invite you for an interview.
Routes into policing
To become a police officer, you can follow one of these routes:
Apprenticeship entry: Join as a constable, and follow an professional programme in policing practice - you earn while you learn. This route normally takes three years with both on and off-the-job learning. On successfully finishing the programme, you complete your probation and achieve a degree.
Degree holder entry: If you have a degree in any subject, you can join and follow a work-based programme, supported by off-the-job learning. This route normally takes two years, and the learning you have undergone is recognised in a graduate diploma in professional policing practice when you complete your probation.
Regular officer entry: This is the traditional entry route into policing where you don't need a degree. At the end of a successful two-uear period - known as the probationary period - your appointment in the office of police constable will be confirmed.
Policing degree: If you want to study first, you can do a three year degree in professional policing at your own expense, and then apply to a force and follow a shorter on-the-job training programme.
