Careers

Norfolk Police employs more than 1,200 people in a wide variety of jobs to help the Police Officers achieve the best they can - these are known as the Police support staff.

Police support staff are very important and play a vital role in making sure Norfolk Constabulary runs smoothly, from the call handlers who answer emergency calls in the Contact and Control room to the car mechanics who maintain the police vehicles.

So whether you want to take photographs for the forensics department, take phone calls in the Contact and Control room or if you are good at accounting, it is worth knowing that Norfolk Police looks for people from a wide range of backgrounds and experiences with all sorts of different abilities to help keep Norfolk safe.

Did you know that the police also have volunteers who help improve the service that is given to the people of Norfolk?

Volunteers help the police engage with local people, working with the Safer Neighbourhood Teams to release police officers time so that they can focus on other areas.

Volunteers also help police officers to become better police officers, assisting as extras in police role-playing training.

By giving just a little bit of their time, a volunteer makes a real impact where you live, whether it be by monitoring CCTV footage or the speed of motorists as they drive through your community.

All this unpaid work in a variety of tasks frees up police officers' time, strengthens police links with the community and improves the overall service that the public receive. What an important part they play in keeping Norfolk as one of the safest counties.

The Special Constabulary are a group of people who volunteer to work with the Police. They are commonly known as ‘Specials’.

Specials work alongside police officers and help solve local policing problems. They may go on patrol with them and will often attend events, like football matches, where a large number of people in uniform are needed to make sure the public are kept safe.

Just like police officers, Specials can work during the day or night. The hours that a Special works will depend on what else they have planned. Many Specials have full time jobs as well as volunteering to work with the Police.

To become a Special you have to:

• Be over 18 years of age
• Numerate and literate
• Honesty and integrity
• A positive, friendly approach
• Ability to work as part of a team.

If you were born outside the UK there are also rules for which you would need check with the Special Recruitment Team.

Want to know more?

For more information about the Special Constabulary in Norfolk, please visit the main Special Constabulary web page on the Norfolk Police website.

Related websites:

• Norfolk Police

Did you know that you have to be over 18 years old to apply to be a police officer? This means that you are unable to apply when you leave school.

You need an NVQ or A/AS level qualification when you apply. However, you will have to pass certain tests to show that you have a good standard of english and maths.

If you are currently at school and are not sure which subjects, exam results or further education courses will help you, the best advice is to try and take your studies as far as you can. This lets you keep your options open and will help you if you decide to apply in the future.

Ideally you should also have passed your driving test when you apply.

Am I eligable 

It takes a special blend of skills and qualities to become an effective police officer, because it is a career unlike any other. 

It is one that combines variety and physical exertion with extensive public contact and a high level of personal responsibility. There are many contenders for entry into Norfolk Police, but not all who apply are successful in satisfying our selection criteria. 

The following will help you decide whether you meet the necessary requirements:

Age requirements:  You must be aged between 18 and 57 years to apply.

Height: There are no minimum or maximum height requirements.

Weight: 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 establish your suitability.

Nationality requirements: You must be either a British Citizen, a citizen of the EU or other states in the EEA, or a Commonwealth citizen or foreign national with indefinite leave to remain in the UK. 

Entry qualifications: Level 3 qualification gained in England and Wales, within the meaning of the Education & Skills Act 2008 e.g. 'A' Level/ AS Level, National Diploma, National Certificate, Level 3 NVQ or City & Guilds, Access to Higher Education Diploma or an academic or vocational qualification gained outside of England or Wales which is considered to be equivalent to a Level 3 qualification. 

Health: You must physically and mentally be able to undertake police duties and be able to pass a police fitness test and medical check.

Eyesight: All applicants will have their eyesight examined and should meet the below required standard. 

Getting involved

If you apply to become a police officer, you will need to show that you have good communication skills and you can work well with people. Getting involved with your local community can help with this.

If you are not already involved you could join a youth club, a volunteer organisation or maybe take part in the Duke of Edinburgh Award scheme.

Working anywhere where you deal with customers face to face is also a good way to get valuable experience so you may want to consider getting a weekend job in a shop.

Want to know more?

Once you get to the point where you are serious about applying, it's a good idea to try to speak to people currently in the role of police officer, particularly those who have recently joined the force.

Ask a police officer you meet on the street about their experiences, what they do and advice on how to apply, they will be more willing to help.

Related websites:

• Norfolk Police
• Police could you
• Connexions Norfolk
• Duke of Edinburgh's award

Norfolk Constabulary is not responsible for the content of external websites.