Police officers
Join Bedfordshire Police, a small yet dynamic force that offers unparalleled experience due to the diverse range of crimes we encounter. Here, you are more than just a number; you will grow within a close-knit team that supports you through the highs and lows of policing.
Ask any of our officers why they love their job, and they’ll tell you it’s the variety and the chance to make a real, visible difference in the community.
Policing is a career that delivers personal satisfaction and the opportunity to impact lives positively.
Our service operates 24/7, covering 365 days a year, which means you’ll work various shifts, including nights. While you may miss some holidays and special occasions, you’ll gain the unique satisfaction of working in a job like no other.
As a police officer, you play a critical role in maintaining public safety and order. You’ll handle situations most people never experience, testing your mental, emotional, and physical capabilities. Whether working alone on patrol or with colleagues, you’ll maintain professionalism in every situation.
You’ll be part of a unique organisation, surrounded by inspiring colleagues who understand the risks and rewards of the job. With comprehensive training and support, you’ll help countless people through difficult situations, providing reassurance and support to victims and witnesses.
Join us at Bedfordshire Police and embark on a career that’s challenging, rewarding, and truly unique.
All police officer routes have a starting salary of £31,164 which will increase on an annual basis.
There is also a £1,500 annual south eastern allowance on top of the above salary.
On the current system, officers can expect to be earning a salary of more than £50,256 per annum by your seventh year in the job.
- Age: Applicants must be aged 18 or over on their start date and there is no upper age limit. Retirement for officers of any time in force is 60 years old. If you are younger than 60, you are still able to apply. If you are concerned about age and still want to join policing you can join our special constabulary, become a police staff member or staff volunteer.
- Nationality: You must be a British citizen, a citizen of an EEA country, Switzerland, or a Commonwealth citizen/foreign national residing in the UK without restrictions. Proof of unrestricted stay is required.
- Residency: No restrictions on where you live, but you may be posted anywhere within Bedfordshire.
- Driving Licence: A full driving licence is required.
- Visible tattoos: Tattoos which are offensive, garish, prominent or numerous are not acceptable. Please supply photos, measurements and explain any symbols of any tattoos along with your application and a decision will be made.
You’ll enjoy the advantages of a contributory pension scheme, which offers generous benefits based on final salary. You’ll start with 25 days annual leave rising to 30 days, dependent on your length of service. You also have access to equity loans for housing under our Key Worker scheme and the opportunity to attend various free advice sessions through Police Mutal.
You can also join our sports and social club which will give you access to our onsite gyms, discounts at local attractions and businesses and where you can enter our force lottery. Staff can also sign up to the Blue Light Card where they can receive discount at many businesses.
There is free on-site parking at HQ and Luton, on-site canteens as well as many well-being resources and support groups available for all staff members.
An additional benefit to police officers is the huge range of career and training opportunities that will be available to you. After your probation period you will be able to apply to join the various teams that make Bedfordshire Police. You could move into community policing, work in cybercrime, join the firearms or dog unit, join the detective pathway and more. The opportunities are endless. We will support you throughout your career with us and provide training when needed to help you achieve your goals. If you fall ill or have a long-term injury, we can look for you to work in a different department, more suitable to your needs.
- Height: There is no height requirement for joining policing.
- Body Mass Index (BMI): Your BMI is required to be between 18 and 30. This is worked out by your height and weight. You can find out your BMI using the BMI calculator on the NHS website.
- Eyesight: Your eyesight must be good and will be tested by distance, near sight and colour vision. You can apply if you wear spectacles or contact lenses.
- Fitness Test: Your fitness is tested by way of the bleep test. You will be required to run to level 5.4 to pass. Watch our fitness test tip video.
- Medical conditions: Medical conditions do not necessarily stop you from joining. We are an inclusive organisation and each candidate’s medical declaration will be taken on a case-by-case basis. If you would like to discuss any conditions with our HR team, please email [email protected].
- Neurodiversity: We have many officers that can make outstanding contributions to the force who also have neurodiverse conditions. We will ensure we provide reasonable adjustments during your application journey and when you arrive on day one you have the support and adjustments you require. Please email [email protected] if you would like to check your eligibility for joining the police.
The application process for joining Bedfordshire Police as a police officer involves several stages designed to identify the best candidates for the role. Here’s a brief overview:
- Online Application: Submit your application through the Bedfordshire Police website. Ensure all required information is provided accurately.
- Assessment Centre: Participate in various exercises to assess your suitability for the role. This includes tests and activities that evaluate your skills and abilities.
- Interview: Attend an interview with the recruitment team. This is an opportunity to demonstrate your motivation and suitability for the role.
- Medical and Fitness Tests: Complete a medical examination, including drugs test, and fitness test to ensure you meet the physical requirements of the role. To pass the fitness test you will need to reach level 5.4 on the 15m bleep test which is just under 4 minutes of running, this ids because you will need to be able to run after an offender, to help a victim or to a colleague in need.
- Background Checks: Undergo thorough background checks, including financial vetting and security clearance. This ensures you are suitable for the role and have no disqualifying factors.
The entire process can take six to nine months, depending on the promptness of your information submission. If successful, you will be placed on the next available intake.
For any questions or support during the application process, you can contact the Recruitment team via email at [email protected].
Apply to become a police officer now
Our recruitment team is ready to support you. If you are unsure what role and route is best for you, or you have questions about policing and the application process, contact our recruitment team.
If a route that you are interested in isnt currently open for applications, register your interest and we will contact you when it is available.
