Police Now |

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

Join Police Now’s mission to transform communities, reduce crime and anti-social behaviour, and increase the public’s confidence in the police service.

Police Now are recognised as a Times Top 100 Graduate Employer and their National Graduate Programme offers graduates a salary from day one where you can train to become a neighbourhood police officer or police detective. You could work on big societal issues; help create safer communities and build a truly inclusive and trustworthy police service.

“Brilliant policing is not easy. It requires brilliant people – and lots of them.

The world is changing. Policing must change. Its culture must change. Or change will be forced upon it. New people. Fresh ideas. Honest values. To join and rejuvenate the many, many brilliant people policing already has.”

Kurtis Christoforides, Chief Executive Officer, Police Now

When applying for the 2026 National Graduate Programme, you’ll have the opportunity to focus on one of the following specialisms:

• Neighbourhood – Work at the heart of communities to reduce crime and increase public trust and confidence in policing.
• Detective – Investigate serious and complex crime, uncover critical evidence and help deliver justice for victims. 

Over two years, you will build your knowledge of the policing sector, starting with a residential training academy (the duration of training differs by specialism). Whilst being supported by a dedicated Performance and Development Coach to aid your growth and development. The training empowers you to make an immediate and real impact on the lives of society’s most vulnerable and gain the confidence needed to drive transformative change.

Once you have completed the two-year programme, you will gain a permanent role in policing. You can also access support with onward career progression and promotion.

Salary, benefits, and progression

By joining the police through Police Now’s graduate programmes, you can expect:

• A salary paid from day one when you start our training academy.
• Training delivered by experienced police officers, designed for graduates.
• Access to coaches that will support your development as you navigate a new career.
• A national peer network of over 3,000 police officers.
• Ongoing development and promotion opportunities upon completing the programme, through our Alumni network.

Leave

This ranges from 22 days (in addition to public holidays) when you’re starting out to 30 days for long-serving staff. 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 flexibility 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 flexibility 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.

Training and development

Our programmes start with an initial residential training academy. You will then take part in various sessions over the two years, designed to develop your leadership and policing skills, as well as reflect on the impact you have made. You will also have access to a dedicated Performance and Development Coach during the two years, who will provide tailored support and guidance.

Career progression

Following completion of the programme, you can enrol in the promotion process, and you will join our alumni community, where you can receive support with progression. We have alumni across the country who are represented at levels up to Chief Inspector who are leading change and exploring new approaches to policing.

There are four stages to our application process during which you’ll gain insight into the role:

1. Online application. This is where you'll provide 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 process.
2. 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 to life the police officer role.
3. 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 an opportunity for you to demonstrate your motivations for joining and gain further insight into the role you've applied to.
4. 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 including: fitness test, BMI, medical, references and vetting.

There is support available throughout the process from our recruitment team and adjustments can be made at all stages. If successful, you will receive a conditional offer and be allocated a dedicated Recruitment Officer to assist with your onboarding and pre-employment checks including: fitness test, BMI, medical, references and vetting.