Police officer
Police officers respond to incidents, investigate crimes and work closely with communities to keep them safe.
Typical Salary
£29,000 – £46,000
per year
Working Hours
37–40
hours per week
Day-to-day tasks
As a police officer, you could:
- respond to calls for help from the public
- investigate incidents, crimes and offences
- collect witness statements, intelligence and evidence
- interview suspects and make arrests
- give evidence in court
- control traffic and crowds at large public events and gatherings
- advise the public on personal safety and crime prevention
Skills needed
- knowledge of public safety and security
- negotiation skills
- patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
- sensitivity and understanding
- legal knowledge including court procedures and government regulations
- the ability to understand people’s reactions
- excellent verbal communication skills
- leadership skills
- to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently
How to get into this role
You can get into this job through:
- a university course
- a college course
- an apprenticeship
- working towards this role
- applying directly
- a rejoiner scheme
Career progression
After training, you'll need to pass a probationary period as a police constable.
There are opportunities to specialise in a particular type of policing, for example:
- criminal investigation department (CID), anti-fraud or road traffic
- drugs or firearms
- counter-terrorism
- air support or underwater search
- dog-handling or mounted policing
With experience and extra training, you may be able to apply for promotion to sergeant, inspector or chief inspector.
In the CID, you'll also have the title of detective added to your rank, for example detective sergeant or detective chief inspector.