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Working for the police force

There are many different types of jobs in the police force. For example:

• police officers
• police community support officers
• office staff, e.g. analyst, call handler or front counter staff

Applying for a job with the police force

You should contact the police force you want to work for directly. They can tell you about jobs they have available and how to apply.

• Find a police force, neighbourhood policing team or police authority

Working as a police officer

As a police officer you will wear a uniform. You are most likely to work outside a lot of the time, patrolling the streets and dealing with crime. This can be a physically challenging and sometimes dangerous job.

• Police recruitment - police officer Opens new window

Pay and benefits for police officers

The starting salary for police officers is usually about £23,000. Benefits include:

• a flexible working schedule
• paid overtime
• a generous holiday allowance

Working as a police community support officer (PCSO)

Police community support officers (PCSOs) are uniformed police officers who deal with minor offences, for example alcohol related crimes and house-to-house enquiries.

Being a PCSO can be a physically challenging job. You have to be able to calmly deal with people and handle difficult situations, for example when people are drunk or hostile towards you.

Unlike police officers, they can’t arrest people, investigate crimes or interview prisoners.

• Police recruitment - PCSOs Opens new window

Pay and benefits for police community support officers

Pay and benefits for police community support officers vary. Your local police force will have further details and information on how to apply.

Working as office staff for the police

You could work for the police force as a member of their office staff, for example, as

• a call handler – deals with telephone enquiries to the police station
• front desk personnel – works at the police station’s reception desk and answers enquires
• a librarian – works in the police station’s library

Different forces have different roles, so check what's available with your local force.

• Find a police force, neighbourhood policing team or police authority

Pay and benefits for office staff

Pay and benefits for these careers vary. Your local police force will have further details and information on how to apply.

Volunteering for the police force

There are also opportunities to volunteer for the police, for example as a special constable or police support volunteer.

Find out more about volunteering in the police force by following the link below.

• Volunteering as a special constable or police support volunteer