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Do you have more questions about joining the police?
See below for further details about becoming a police officer and the recruitment process.
Once you have completed your initial training you can follow a pathway towards promotion up the ranks or into a specialism. There are many options to choose and many people who will support you in achieving your goals.
It's not just a career but a way of life. It is a commitment to making the community a safer place for all. It can be varied and challenging but also extremely rewarding. You may find that family or friends start treating you differently, but you should not let the thoughts of others put you off pursuing such a varied and worthwhile career.
Negativity about the police exists. If you're concerned about this in your community, joining is the best way to be a part of the change you want to see.
We are making great strides to attract more people from all communities and underrepresented groups, regardless of race, sexual orientation, disability, faith, age and gender. There are a number of associations within Norfolk and Suffolk police, some for example are faith-based, others focus on identity. They are all there to represent people’s needs, personal beliefs and values.
Progression within the Norfolk and Suffolk police is encouraged and there are many different and exciting routes you can take. You will be well supported by your line manager and our learning and development team to help you achieve your goals.
You will be required to work shifts over evenings, nights and weekends.
The role of a PC is 365 days a year, including bank holidays, and sometimes you may even be required to stay on duty past the end of your shift.
After you have completed your first year of training, if you have responsibilities, for example caring duties that might prevent you from undertaking particular shifts, we will discuss alternative options with you.
The usual shift pattern for a police officer is six days on four days off including two earlies, two late and two nights.
One of the best things about working as a police officer is the team working.
You will work with great people who are committed to improving the service and making a difference. You'll build strong team connections with colleagues from a mix of backgrounds and with a range of experience.
Sometimes you may be required to work independently as a ‘single crew’ but you will still be part of the wider team and you will be supported at all times.
A full manual driver’s licence is essential for working at Norfolk and Suffolk Constabularies, as we are rural-based forces.
If your are an EU or EAA citizen you can apply to be a police officer providing you have no restrictions on your right to live and work in the UK.
Candidates who have lived abroad are required to have resided in the UK for three years due to the challenges often faced with obtaining adequate vetting checks from abroad.
We need to ensure all applicants have to be vetted to the same standard before appointment.
Both Norfolk and Suffolk offer a range of different volunteer opportunities, including the option to become a special constable before you sign up to join. Suffolk Constabulary also offer internships for three months paid work experience.
These opportunities all give you a great insight into what it is like to be a police officer.
Applicants should declare any business interests during the application stage of the recruitment process. These will then be assessed by the Professional Standard Department (PSD) and a decision will be made as to whether the additional occupation or business interest is appropriate.
The business interest could be approved, denied or approved with conditions i.e not to work more than 10hrs a week on the part-time business.
Business interests are strictly monitored by PSD to ensure officers remain efficient, legal and ethical. Therefore, officer’s business interests are regularly reviewed for suitability.
Everyone in the police service must maintain high ethical and professional standards and act with the utmost integrity. They must maintain and promote such standards.
A thorough and effective vetting regime is a key component in assessing an individual’s integrity. It helps to reassure the public that appropriate checks are conducted on individuals in positions of trust.
Vetting also looks at an individual’s associates to identify areas of vulnerability or risk which could damage public confidence in a force or the wider police service.
If you have a criminal record and apply to join the police service your case will be considered on its own individual merits in relation to the role being undertaken and assets being accessed.
Applications for a position as a police officer, a special constable or as a member of police staff where that member of staff may be in the evidential chain are rejected in all cases where:
The public are largely accepting of police officers and staff with visible tattoos, however some tattoos could potentially offend members of the public or colleagues, or could discredit the police service.
It is therefore important that prospective officers & staff are aware of the strict guidance and policy relating to tattoos.
Tattoos will be deemed as unacceptable if they:
Careful consideration will be given to tattoos if they:
Once an applicant has provided details of their tattoo, the Head of the Professional Standards Department will make the decision on determining if a tattoo is unacceptable.
A right of appeal exists whereby, officers, staff or prospective employees can request a review of the decision regarding their tattoo. An appeal will need to be submitted in writing to the Deputy Chief Constable who will make the final decision, consulting with relevant groups (i.e. Staff Associations, Community Representatives) when they consider necessary.
Financial checks are used to assess whether applicants have been, are currently, or are likely to be in financial difficulty, or show signs of financial irresponsibility to the extent that they could become vulnerable to financial inducement.
It is unlikely that you will be successful in your vetting clearance if you: