Discovering Higher and Degree Apprenticeships with UWE Bristol, get free advice >>

How long does someone have to be a UK police constable to go up the ranks?

title

Its possible to go from student officer to inspector in about 4 years, and then to Superintendent in a further 3-4. However, unless this is under a Direct Entry or Fast Track scheme, this would be almost impossible.

Under the schemes, your career is essentially managed through the ranks and you spend time at each rank simply gathering evidence and studying for your next promotion.

In reality, these schemes are quite controversial due to the unusual nature of policing as a job. Pretty much any inspector can be ground assigned for public order, and a sergeant can be expected to lead a public order serial. A candidate could be in these roles with no actual previous experience and almost no training.

A more realistic timeline is 2 years probation to substantive constable, 5 more years as a constable to top rate. Promote to sergeant and stay at that rank for at least 4 years. So 11 years to inspector, and then further promotions as far as you want to go (or are capable of).

Quick Reply

Related discussions

Latest

Articles for you

The Student Room Group Privacy Notice

Edexcel A-Level Economics Paper 1 - Unofficial Mark Scheme - 18 May 2023

What is an LLM and how could it benefit your career?

Powerful questions business students forget to ask their career advisers