Frequently Asked Questions

1. You can join the force as a police officer apprentice and study for the degree in professional policing practice. This takes three years and there are opportunities to specialise in the third year. 
2. Degree Holder Entry - is for anyone who already has a degree in any discipline other a Degree in Professional Policing. Individuals will gain a diploma in professional policing.
3. Or, you can study the Degree in Professional Policing (College of Policing) at a further education college prior to joining the service. To gain the operational policing knowledge and experience we encourage you to become a Special Constable while studying, but if this is not possible you will learn the operational side of policing on joining.

Once you have completed your initial training you can follow a pathway towards promotion up the ranks or into a specialism. There are many options to choose and many people who will support you in achieving your goals.

It's not just a career but a way of life. It is a commitment to making the community a safer place for all. It can be varied and challenging but also extremely rewarding. You may find that family or friends start treating you differently, but you should not let the thoughts of others put you off pursuing such a varied and worthwhile career.

Negativity about the police exists, but the best thing to do is be a part of the change you want to see in the community and join.

We are making great strides to attract more people from all communities and underrepresented groups, regardless of race, sexual orientation, disability, faith, age and gender. There are a number of associations within Norfolk and Suffolk police, some for example are faith-based, others focus on identity. They are all there to represent people’s needs, personal beliefs and values.

Progression within the Norfolk and Suffolk police is encouraged and there are many different and exciting routes you can take. You will be well supported by your line manager and our learning and development team to help you achieve your goals.

Yes, you will be required to work shifts over evenings, nights and weekends. The role of a PC is 365 days a year including bank holidays and sometimes you may even be required to stay on duty past the end of your shift. After you have completed your first year of training, if you have responsibilities, for example caring duties that might prevent you from undertaking particular shifts, we will discuss alternative options with you. ​​The usual shift pattern for a police officer is six days on four days off including two earlies, two late and two nights. 

One of the best things about working as a police officer is the team working. You will work with great people who are committed to improving the service and making a difference. You will build strong team connections with people from a mix of backgrounds and with a range of experience. Sometimes you may be required to work independently as a ‘single crew’ but you will still be part of the wider team and you will be supported at all times.

Yes, a full manual driver’s licence is essential for Norfolk and Suffolk Constabularies, as we are rural based forces. 

Yes, providing you have no restrictions on your right to live and work in the UK. ​

​Candidates who have lived abroad are required to have resided in the UK for three years due to the challenges often faced with obtaining adequate vetting checks from abroad. ​

​We need to ensure all applicants have to be vetted to the same standard before appointment. 

Both Norfolk and Suffolk offer a range of different volunteer opportunities including becoming a Special Constable before you sign up to join.​ Suffolk Constabulary also offer internships for three months paid work experience. ​

These opportunities all give you a great insight into what it is like to be a police officer.  ​

Applicants should declare their business interest during the application stage of the recruitment process. Business interests will then be assessed by the Professional Standard Department (PSD) and a decision will be made as to whether the additional occupation or business interest is appropriate. The business interest could be approved, denied or approved with conditions i.e not to work more than 10hrs a week on the part time business.

Business interests are strictly monitored by PSD to ensure officers remain efficient, legal and ethical. Therefore, officer’s business interests are regularly reviewed for suitability.  

Everyone in the police service must maintain high ethical and professional standards and act with the utmost integrity. They must maintain and promote such standards. A thorough and effective vetting regime is a key component in assessing an individual’s integrity. It helps to reassure the public that appropriate checks are conducted on individuals in positions of trust. Vetting also looks at an individual’s associates to identify areas of vulnerability or risk which could damage public confidence in a Force or the wider police service.

Each case is considered on its own individual merits in relation to the role being undertaken and assets being accessed.

Applications for a position as a police officer; a special constable; or as a member of police staff where that member of staff may be in the evidential chain are rejected in all cases where:

• offences were committed as an adult or juvenile which resulted in a prison sentence (including custodial, suspended or deferred sentence and sentences served at a young offenders’ institution or community home); or
• the applicant is a registered sex offender or is subject to a registration requirement in respect of any other conviction.

Financial checks are used to assess whether applicants have been, are currently, or are likely to be in financial difficulty, or show signs of financial irresponsibility to the extent that they could become vulnerable to financial inducement.

It is unlikely that you will be successful in your vetting clearance if you:

• have existing county court judgments outstanding
• have been registered bankrupt and have not discharged your bankruptcy. Applicants will not be considered until 3 years after the discharge of the debt. Debt Relief Orders (DRO) are treated in the same way as bankruptcy
• refuse to discuss a relevant matter or engage with the vetting process.

Financial checks are used to assess whether applicants have been, are currently, or are likely to be in financial difficulty, or show signs of financial irresponsibility to the extent that they could become vulnerable to financial inducement.

It is unlikely that you will be successful in your vetting clearance if you:

• have existing county court judgments outstanding
• have been registered bankrupt and have not discharged your bankruptcy. Applicants will not be considered until 3 years after the discharge of the debt. Debt Relief Orders (DRO) are treated in the same way as bankruptcy
• refuse to discuss a relevant matter or engage with the vetting process.