Police officers
Policing is a career that delivers both personal satisfaction and the opportunity to make a real difference within the community.
Every day is different. We are a small and busy force that offers a lot of experience due to the wide range of crimes we see compared to other forces in the UK. You are not just a number at Bedfordshire Police. You will develop with close-knit teams and there will always be someone to support you through the ups and downs of policing.
The role of a police officer is essential in maintaining public safety and order. You will handle things most people never experience in their lives. Your mental, emotional, and physical capabilities will be tested as you deal with difficult and, on occasion, violent individuals. You must maintain a professional approach throughout, no matter what the situation.
It’s a challenging 24/7 service and you will work a range of shifts, including nights. You might miss celebrations, birthdays, or holidays, but you will get the satisfaction of working in a job like no other.
You’ll be part of a unique organisation, working with inspiring colleagues who understand the risks and rewards of the job.
You’ll be highly trained and well-supported throughout your service as you help people through some of the most difficult situations in their life. You will support victims and witnesses and providing reassurance in the community.
Everyone at Bedfordshire Police takes personal responsibility to help create an inclusive workplace, where police officers and staff respect one another, feel valued for their differences and can be themselves. We are committed to providing reasonable adjustments, wherever needed so everyone feels welcome and can flourish.
You can read more about our force in living and working in Bedfordshire, you can also follow the link to learn more about the code of ethics we stand by.
If you have a degree or level 6 qualification you can join policing through the Degree Holder Entry Programme (DHEP). It is a two-year academic and practice-based programme with our education partner, Anglia Ruskin University. Visit our DHEP page for more information.
To join the Police Constable Degree Apprenticeship (PCDA), you need a minimum of 32 UCAS points and GSCEs at grade C/ Level 4 and above in Maths and English.
If you have less than 32 UCAS points and the GCSE grades you also need to have one year experience in a role that has comparable skills to policing or one year in academic study. The skills include customer service, conflict management, high pressure situations.
Further information on UCAS points can be found on the UCAS website.
Applicants will also have to meet the eligibility for becoming a police officer and pass the Police SEARCH® Recruit Assessment Centre. See the College of Policing website for more information.
If you have GCSEs in Maths and English at grade C or level 4 and above, you must have one year or more experience in a role that has comparable skills to policing. These skills include customer service, working in high pressure environment, conflict management etc.
You will be invited to complete an aptitude test followed by a suitability discussion where an assessment will be made on your ability to meet the academic demands of the Police Constable Degree Apprenticeship (PCDA).
Further information on UCAS points can be found on the UCAS website.
Applicants will also have to meet the eligibility for becoming a police officer and pass the Police SEARCH® Recruit Assessment Centre. See the College of Policing website for more information.
If you don't have GCSEs, you can join us through our Initial Police Learning and Development Programme (IPLDP+) route. It is a two-year programme where you will gain fully ranked status and an NVQ in policing practice.
Our recruitment team are on hand to support you during your application journey. If you are neurodivergent, have disabilities or from a disadvantaged background, please visit our supporting diversity page or email our team at [email protected] for more information on how we can support your application.
If you would like more information about the role and invitations to help sessions and information events, please complete our expression of interest form.