Police officer

What is a police officer?

A police officer upholds the law, maintains order and prevents and investigates crime. They work with the public to make communities safer.

As a police officer you would tackle antisocial behaviour, work to reduce theft and street-related crime and organised crime, investigate terrorism, support victims and provide a reassuring presence in the community.

What sort of tasks would I be doing?

• Responding to incidents and emergencies
• Supporting crime victims
• Patrolling an area, on foot or by car
• Dealing with a wide range of incidents, including traffic accidents, fires, domestic disputes and burglaries
• Arresting and detaining crime suspects
• Interviewing witnesses to crimes
• Giving evidence in court
• Compiling case files

Police officers uphold the law and work to make communities safer

Really experienced officers can specialise in things like counter-terrorism

You don’t need any specific academic qualifications but you will need to do written tests as part of the entry process.

However there are some qualifications that might help you gain entry:

• OCR Level 2 National Award/Certificate in public services
• BTEC Level 2 and 3 qualifications in uniformed public services
• The Diploma in society, health and development
• Higher National Diploma/Certificate (HND/HNC) in public services
• Foundation degrees, including in public services, policing and police studies
• Degrees, including in police studies, criminology and policing.

You must also be:

• At least 17½ years old
• A British, EU or Commonwealth citizen, or a foreign national with indefinite leave to remain in the UK
• In good physical and mental health.

Would I suit it?

Are you...

• Interested in people?
• Committed to upholding the law and promoting safety?
• Effective under pressure?
• Physically fit?
• Able to deal with stressful and sometimes difficult situations?
• Willing to work shifts?

Then you might really love being a police officer!