How old do I have to be to join?
At least 18 years old. There is no upper age limit although the normal retirement age for Constables and Sergeants is 55 years and you will have a two-year probationary period.

 

I am overweight, does that mean that I can't be a police officer?
Not necessarily but if your Body Mass Index is outside the normal range of 18 to 30, we are likely to require further information, investigation and assessment to assess your suitability.

 

I have a caution, does that mean that I can't be a police officer?
Although you may still be eligible to join the police service if you have minor convictions/cautions, there are certain offences and conditions which will make you ineligible.

 

How long does the recruitment process take?
It can take between six and 18 months from when we receive your application to the time that you start your initial training.

 

I have sent in my application form, when will I hear anything back from Norfolk Constabulary?
The Recruitment Team endeavours to confirm receipt of your application within two to four weeks of receiving it. They will keep you informed of your progress at each of the recruitment stages.

 

What does the fitness test involve?
There are two elements to the fitness test and you must pass both before you can be appointed. These are as follows:

• Dynamic strength
  Your dynamic strength will be a test that involves performing five seated chest pushes and five seated back pulls on the Dyno machine (similar to a seated chest press and a seated row machine). You need to average 34 kgs over five pushes to pass. You need to average 35 kgs over five pulls to pass.
  The average force of the sum of the five pushes and the average force of the sum of the five pulls will be recorded. You will need an average of 34 kgs to pass.
• Endurance
  In this element you will be asked to run to and from along a 15-metre track in time with a series of bleeps. If you arrive at the end line before the bleep sounds you need to wait for the bleep before resuming running and adjust your speed. The timing between bleeps is slow at first but the bleep becomes faster as the test progresses and it becomes more difficult to keep up with the required speed. You will run until you can no longer keep up with the set pace. You will need to reach a minimum of four shuttles at level five to pass.

 

What training should I do for the fitness test?
You should improve your stamina. For example, you could take part in sporting activities which last 30 minutes or more and get you out of breath such as football, netball, or squash.

You can also make rapid improvements by engaging in activities which create a large aerobic demand such as jogging, cycling, swimming and rowing. Try jogging for 20 minutes or more and as you improve, try to increase the distance covered in that time. Alternatively jog a set distance from home and back again and try to reduce the time taken to cover the distance.

You should exercise three times a week for 20 minutes but if you are not used to exercise you should start with gentle sessions lasting no more than 15 minutes.

 

What can I specialise in after my training?
After you have completed the two-year probationary period as a Student Officer, and one to two years as a Police Officer, you can specialise in anything from:

• Uniform patrol
• Neighbourhood Policing Team
• Police Community Support Officers
• Special Constabulary
• Traffic Wardens
• Firearms
• Road Policing
• Accident investigation
• Drugs And Serious Crime Squad
• Search
• Diver
• Dog unit
• Control room
• Air Operations
• Major Investigation Team
• Major Support Team
• Technical Support Unit
• Training
• UDT/Baton instructor
• Community Liaison and Licensing
• Domestic Violence Unit
• Hate Crime Unit
• Custody
• Criminal Justice dept
• National Criminal Intelligence Service
• Special branch
• Regional Crime Squad
• Police Support Unit
• Reactive Criminal Investigation Department
• Target Crime Unit
• Tactical Crime Unit
• Crime Reduction Unit
• Serious Sexual Offences Team
• Prisoner Handling Team
• Family Liaison Officers
• Source Handlers
• Intelligence Unit
• Senior investigations officer
• Crime Scene Investigators
• Crime Management Unit.

 

If you would like any further information, please contact the Recruitment Team by telephoning 01953 425699 Ext. 2310 / 2311 or by emailing recruitment@norfolk.pnn.police.uk, or visit the Police Could You website.