Police Officers FAQ
Q. Do I need to have a full driving licence to apply?
A. Yes. At present you must hold a full manual driving licence to apply to become a police constable.
Q. I wear glasses or contact lenses. Can I still apply?
A. Yes. You will need to have a visual accuracy form completed by an optician to ensure your eyesight is within the required limits. A copy of the form is available in the Resources section. This should be submitted with your application form.
Q. Do you have a minicom number for people with speech or hearing impairments?
A. Yes. Our number is 01355 566515. To use this service you will need a minicom text phone.
Q. If I have had eye laser surgery can I still apply?
A. Some forms of laser surgery are acceptable. Full details can be found at www.policecouldyou.co.uk or by calling the Recruitment Department.
Q. Is there any height restriction to join the police?
A. No.
Q. Should I disclose any previous convictions or any involvement I have had with the police, which includes things like speeding tickets?
A. Yes. Failure to disclose this information means your application will almost certainly be rejected as this would be viewed as an integrity issue.
Q. What type of previous convictions will affect my application?
A. The individual circumstances of each application are considered. All convictions, including conditional offers and parking tickets, must be disclosed.
Q. If somebody in my family has previous convictions, will that affect my application?
A. Each set of circumstances will be looked at on an individual basis.
Q. I am Hindu. Can I continue to wear my bindi dot?
A. Yes.
Q. I am a Muslim woman. Can I continue to wear my hijab?
A Yes.
Q. Can I wear a turban?
A. Yes.
Q. I am a Sikh and have a long beard. Would I have to shave it off?
A. No. Provided your beard is rolled up and contained within a beard net, there is no need to shave it off.
Q. I have a medical condition. Can I still apply?
A. Yes. All applicants are assessed according to their individual circumstances and with regard to the relevant disability discrimination legislation.
Q. Do I need Standard Grades to apply for the police?
A. No. There are no minimum education requirements. However, you will need to be able to pass the Standard Entrance Test, which consists of language, numeracy and information handling papers.
Q. Where can I get a sample of the test paper?
A. You can download a test paper from the Selection Process for Police Officers page of this website.
Q. What age do I need to be to apply to the police?
A. You can apply at 17 1/2 but you won't be appointed until you are 18.
Q. Is there an upper age limit for joining the police force?
A. There is no upper age limit for appointment.