Who can join?

Being a police officer is much more than blue lights and fast cars. You will wear a uniform with over 190 years of history. You will be protecting the vulnerable; giving evidence in court; supporting victims of domestic violence; investigating burglaries and working in partnership with the communities of Nottingham to tackle serious and organised crime.

You will deal with different situations every day, building confidence and trust with the public. It's demanding, unpredictable, but rewarding work and you can make a real difference to your community. You will need to see things from others perspectives, tailoring your approach to address their needs and fears.

The police officer role

The role of a police officer is challenging but highly rewarding. You need to be enthusiastic, dedicated, resilient, a problem solver and someone who can be confident enough to take control of situations. This role involves shift work and you will be required to work on a rota which covers weekends, nights and bank holidays.

Not only will you be representing the diverse communities we serve, you’ll be part of one big inclusive family where you’ll make a difference, every day.

We want to represent our public, and need people at every stage of the experience spectrum. Policing will enable you to work in partnership with the public and other organisations and make a difference to the local community.

This can be a tough and unpredictable job, but it is also an extremely rewarding position. You will need to be a person who thrives on challenges, be willing to work hard to learn the skills necessary for this difficult but critical role. Every day when you put on your uniform and go to work, you will be making life safer and more secure for your friends and neighbours, and making your town a better place to live.

Entry routes for police constables

Don't have a degree?

Initial Policing Learning and Development Program (IPLDP)

Join as a constable and complete our internal training program. Entry requirements are a Level 3 Qualification in any subject or relevant quantifiable experience to the role of police constable, as well as holding a full UK/EU manual driving license.

We will open recruitment for these different routes at different times, please check the current vacancies page and our social media for updates.

Professional Policing Degree (PPD)

If you want to study first, you can do a three-year degree in professional policing at your own expense, and then apply to a force and follow a shorter on-the-job training programme.

Being a special constable can be included in this route. Please go through your UCAS application process to see accredited providers of this degree. For individuals who choose a three or four year Degree in Professional Policing Practice at a higher education institution of their choosing, at their own cost. Some universities are also offering the pre-join as a two year consolidated course.

Would like to work towards a degree?

Police Constable Degree Apprenticeship (PCDA)

Join as a constable, and follow an apprenticeship in Professional Policing Practice - you earn while you learn. This route normally takes three years with both on and off-the-job learning. On successfully finishing the programme, you complete your probation and achieve a degree.

Military Widening Access Course (MWAC)

Join whilst still serving in Her Majesty’s Armed Forces and use your Enhanced Learning Credits to follow an apprenticeship in Professional Police Practice. You will study online and face-to-face during a 12-week residential course at Chetwynd Barracks, Nottingham in your last year of service. On leaving the Armed Forces you will join Nottinghamshire Police for 16 weeks before starting on Year 2 of the PCDA programme. On successfully finishing the programme, you complete your probation and achieve a degree.

Have a degree?

Degree Holder Entry Programme (DHEP)

Two-year academic and practice-based programme for those who already hold a degree in any subject.

You can join and follow a work-based programme, supported by off-the-job learning. This route normally takes two years, and the learning you have undergone is recognised in a graduate diploma in professional policing practice when you complete your probation.

Degree Holder Entry Programme Detective (DHEP)

Two-year academic and practice based programme for those who already hold a degree in any subject and wish to specialise in investigations.

You can join and follow a work-based programme, supported by off-the-job learning. This route normally takes two years, and the learning you have undergone is recognised in a graduate diploma in professional policing practice when you complete your probation.

Police volunteers and staff

You may already be working in a police staff role or as a volunteer, or have previously volunteered for a police force. Your commitment and contribution will be recognised. If you would like to join us as paid officer please speak to someone in recruitment.

Apply

Register for alerts on our expression of interest page - we'll get in touch when the next round of recruitment launches.

To see if we are currently recruiting for this role and to apply now, check our vacancies.

You can also follow us on social media where we share regular updates on new opportunities.