2026 Police Now National Graduate Programme – Neighbourhood

For every ambition, every action, every change. If you are ready to step into a role where your decisions shape real lives and communities, this is where your journey begins.

Our two-year programme is designed to develop diverse graduates, from any degree, who want to build trust, reduce crime and transform communities.

The role

On our National Graduate Programme, you’ll train to become a neighbourhood police officer and be at the forefront of creating safer communities, working proactively to address long-term issues and enhance the quality of life for the residents in the communities you serve.

You’ll work as part of a neighbourhood policing team, spending two years embedded within a community. During this time, you will focus on identifying threats, harm and risk and tackling local issues and complex challenges.

Being a police officer is demanding and intense, but incredibly rewarding. You’ll have the opportunity to truly make a difference to the communities you serve and have a lasting impact on individuals' lives. While there will be challenging moments and new practices, to get used to, you’ll be supported by a wide network to guide you along the way.  

Our programme gives you the opportunity to make our society better by developing skills to become a future leader in society and on the policing frontline.

Your salary is paid from day one when you start our training academy. During the programme, you will have full ownership and responsibility for bringing about positive change. There is no greater feeling than seeing the work you do impact someone’s life for the better. 

Eligibility 

To apply for this programme, you must:

• Be over 17 years of age or older on application, (and 18 by the time of appointment) 
• Be a British citizen, a citizen of a country that is a member of the European Economic Area or Switzerland, or a Commonwealth citizen or foreign national who is resident in the UK and has settled status or leave to remain and work without restrictions 
• Hold a first, 2:1 or 2.2 in any undergraduate degree from a UK university (or equivalent from a non-UK university) and have completed all education by the programme start date (March 2026) this includes part time or distance learning  

Training and development

Our award-winning training sets the foundation for a successful and transformative career in policing. Throughout the seven-week residential training academy, you’ll have access to a Performance and Development Coach who will support you to navigate a new career and maximise your potential. Depending on which route you take, you can also apply for an external secondment or internal attachment during the second year of the programme.

Career progression 

Once you successfully complete the programme, you will be a fully warranted neighbourhood police officer with a permanent role in policing. You’ll also join our Police Now alumni network. 

Many of our graduates have gone on to be promoted or have explored other areas of policing such as Counter Terrorism, Violence Against Women and Girls, Firearms or Investigations. 

Rewards and benefits 

Salary
Your salary will start on day one of your training academy.  You will receive a starting salary of £29,907. Your salary will increase each year up to £48,231 within seven years. On promotion to the next police rank, sergeant, you can earn a starting salary of £51,408.

Leave 
You’ll start with 22 days per year (on top of public holidays), rising to 30 days depending on your length of service. You can also expect other forms of leave including adoption, maternity and paternity.

Work-life balance
This is not your typical 9-5. Police officers work varied shift patterns which gives them adaptability and freedom to maximise their time outside of work. Different to your typical working week, you’ll often receive several days off in a row. It may take some time to adapt to shift pattern working, but once you do, you may find that the adaptability of the schedule allows you to better balance work and home life.  

Pension 
You’ll automatically be enrolled as a member of the Police Pension Scheme 2015, which awards police officers for their dedication and service to the public. It offers a generous and secure retirement package, providing officers with financial stability and peace of mind.  

Financial services discounts
There are various partner organisations who work alongside the police to offer a variety of financial services including saving, investment and protection products, as well as discounts and subsidies. Many major high street stores, retail outlets and other national organisations offer discounts and special deals to police officers. Most police forces also provide access to a number of subsidised leisure and sporting activities.  

Application process 

• Online application. This is where you'll provide your personal details, so we can see if you meet our eligibility requirements. It's also a chance for you to make us aware of any adjustments you may need during the recruitment process. 
• Immersive assessment. If you are eligible for the programme, you'll be invited to complete an immersive assessment where you will experience a number of scenarios which will bring the role of a neighbourhood police officer to life.  
• Assessment centre. If you pass the immersive assessment, you'll be invited to a digital assessment centre and offered dates to choose from. This is a chance for you to demonstrate your motivations for joining the programme and gain further insight into the role.  
• Conditional offer. If successful at assessment centre, you'll receive a conditional offer and be allocated a dedicated Recruitment Officer. They will be there throughout your onboarding journey and assist you with your pre-employment checks which include a fitness test, medical assessment, referencing and vetting. Your final offer will be dependent on you passing all these checks.