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Protective Comman (Police)

Hi , I'm only 17 years old but I'm very ambitious about joining the police. I wanted to since young and always been interested. However I would like to be an officer who works as a "secret service " which here is called SO1. But i have a few questions.

Is there any grade requirements ?
Is it true that I have to be a police officer for 2 years before I can apply ?
Whats the pay like
Is there any eyesight requirement ? (I wear glasses)

Thanks.
Reply 1
I am not a police officer but work together with several retired police officers so I will do my best to answer your questions.

As far as I'm aware there may be basic GCSE requirements if you want to join as a police constable, though competition for limited vacancies is usually very fierce so good grades and a degree may help. If you join the new police graduate fast stream program (whereby you become an Inspector within three years) you will need a 2:1 degree.

You have to be a police constable for two years before you can apply to join any of the specialist units (including undercover, CID, firearms, etc.). I believe this is the case even if you join the graduate fast stream. Note that the graduate scheme guarantees you promotion to Inspector rank but will not necessarily guarantee you a job within any of the specialist units.

See the link below regarding pay. Constables and Sergeants are also eligible for overtime, higher ranks are not I believe. http://www.policeoracle.com/pay_and_conditions/police_pay_scales.html?no_detect=1

If you are interested in covert work, have you considered looking into a career with the Security Service (MI5) or the Secret Intelligence Service (MI6)? You would need a 2:1 degree to become an Intelligence Officer and competition is likely to be quite intense. Other government departments that have law enforcement functions like the National Crime Agency, the Home Office and HM Revenue & Customs will also have opportunities for covert work.
Reply 2
Thanks for the reply , I will look int to those schemes :smile:
Reply 3
Original post by Keerthan26
Hi , I'm only 17 years old but I'm very ambitious about joining the police. I wanted to since young and always been interested. However I would like to be an officer who works as a "secret service " which here is called SO1. But i have a few questions.

Is there any grade requirements ?
Is it true that I have to be a police officer for 2 years before I can apply ?
Whats the pay like
Is there any eyesight requirement ? (I wear glasses)

Thanks.



I am 15 and also want to become a police officer, i dont think there are any eye site requirements as some officers wear glasses, the pay is good and it increases as you work your way up, good luck!
Which force are you wanting to join ?


Posted from TSR Mobile
Depending on the force you may also need to take the CKP (certificate of knowledge of policing) which is done by the CP (Collect of Polciing) Which will set you back about 1K and only lasts for a few years if i remember.

You will need to start off as a bobby and work on the beat on 2 year probation before you can even think about applying for a specialist role.

Pay is probs minimal, don't ever expect a good salary working in the police unless you are a good rank. Eye sight will most likely be 3/36 unaided 20 20 vision aided. Like all police officer requirements. The fitness test will be very different from the officer. It will be more intense. Last time I took with the cadets was a bleep test of (I think 10) for firearms, Co1 will most likely be higher i would think. You will most likely have to apply for firearms after police probation which is very tough to get into and requires intense training to keep top notch and exams on weapon handling each year. I have never actually heard of Co1

I believe the next route will be close protection services not too sure but i would bet they would want your military/ firearms trained.
Original post by mayxo
I am 15 and also want to become a police officer, i dont think there are any eye site requirements as some officers wear glasses, the pay is good and it increases as you work your way up, good luck!
Which force are you wanting to join ?


Posted from TSR Mobile




Requirements for UK police are 6/36 unaided vision (without glasses contracts etc) or 20 20 vision aided (with glasses contacts etc on)

Laser eye 9what I am getting before I am applying for police) is accepted PRK, LASIK and LASEK, However a lot of types of eye surgery is not allowed and you won't pass medical. 6 months if requred after each surgery to prove your eyesight is fit for duty

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