Police Officer

Also known as:

Detective
PC
WPC

Introduction

Police officers maintain law and order. They protect people and property. Officers investigate and try to prevent crime. They are also called to accidents and emergencies.

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Work Activities

Police officers:
• maintain law and order
• protect people and property from harm
• investigate and prevent crime, and detect offenders
• deal with emergency situations.

All new recruits spend at least two years as a constable on probation. This includes working on the beat with an experienced officer, getting to know a particular area and the people who live there. During this time the probationer learns to judge situations and gains experience in activities like:
• interviewing suspects
• investigating suspicious incidents
• taking statements from witnesses
• informing next of kin of injuries or death.

Police officers might work on the beat, on foot, cycle or in a patrol car. They take control of situations such as traffic accidents, break-ins, street fights and domestic incidents.

They must be able to communicate well with other officers, staff of other services and members of the public. They must provide the action, advice and sympathetic leadership that the public expects. They also complete accurate reports and other documents.

After the period on probation they might apply to join a specialist unit, such as criminal investigation, dog handling, special branch (anti-terrorism), the traffic/motorway section, underwater search units, the mounted police or the river police. Not all forces have an underwater or a mounted unit. Entry to some specialities is very competitive.

A local police unit or station is usually managed by an inspector and a team of sergeants. Some incidents are reported directly to the station, others are diverted from 999 calls. Most police stations have a control room, with police officers in radio contact with officers on the beat.

In the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) you can work as a detective. Officers usually specialise in one area, such as:
• fraud
• drugs
• nationality (immigration)
• special operations (surveillance)
• intelligence and information gathering
• child protection.

Entry for some CID specialities can be very competitive.

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Personal Qualities and Skills

You should enjoy working with people. You need to be able to deal with people of all ages and from a variety of backgrounds.

It is important that you can handle difficult situations with sensitivity. Good judgement is essential. Decision making skills and initiative are also important. You must pay close attention to detail - to help solve crimes and spot suspicious events or circumstances.

As a police officer you must think and act quickly, and keep calm in emergencies. You will need to concentrate for long periods of time. You must be fit and active.

All entrants to the police must pass medical and eyesight tests. Most forces accept people who wear contact lenses or glasses. Your colour vision may be tested. There is no longer a height requirement.

For most police forces you need a driving licence.

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Pay and Opportunities

Scottish police officers are paid on a Scottish national scale.

Police constables on appointment earn £21,354 a year. After 31 weeks, they earn £24,039 a year and after two years £25,434. After 10 years service salaries are at least £33,810. Sergeants can earn up to £37,998. Inspectors earn up to £43,320 a year.

Police officers work 40 hours a week, which might include shifts, evenings, weekends and public holidays. They might be required to work paid overtime to cover special events or emergencies.

Each police force does its own recruitment.

About 140,000 police officers are employed throughout the UK. In 2006 there were over 16,300 in Scotland. Half of Scottish officers are in the Strathclyde Police Force. 34% of the Strathclyde officers are women.

At present (2008) there is a recruitment drive as the Scottish Government wants to increase the police force by up to 1000. The following police forces are recruiting: Central, Dumfries and Galloway, Fife, Grampian, Lothian and Borders, Northern, Strathclyde and Tayside - see their websites for details.

As well as the regional police forces there are jobs with the British Transport which polices railways, and with the Scottish Drug Enforcement Agency (SCDEA) which tackles organised crime such as human trafficking, drug trafficking and international money laundering.

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Adult Opportunities

Age limits apply to this occupation. The minimum age for entry to the police force is 18 years.

Experience as a volunteer special constable could be helpful when applying for a paid position, but does not guarantee entry to the regular force.

Some entrants have relevant skills and abilities gained, for example, in the armed forces or in the community.

The High Potential Development Scheme offers a fast-track to senior positions in the police service.

Some further education colleges run courses for those who want to prepare for entry to the uniformed services. These courses do not guarantee a post with the police, but help you prepare for the entry tests.

ICS runs a Police Service Entrance Course (a preparatory course for the written entrance exam) by distance learning.

• 3% of police officers work part-time.

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Further Information

Contact your local Police Force.

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