The recruitment process
Your Recruitment Journey with Us
Joining the police force is a unique and rewarding experience. Due to the nature of policing, our recruitment process may be more detailed than others you may have encountered.
You can find out more in the video below from the College of Policing. You can also see headings that take you through each of the steps that you will take throughout the process. You can click on each one to find out more.
The first step is completing the national application form. This will ask:
- Personal information such as your contact details, employment history and qualifications
- Eligibility information and documents, such as your right to work, educational qualifications, driving licence, photos of any tattoos, convictions or cautions and any supporting evidence for adjustments required during the recruitment process.
You should answer questions carefully and provide complete and accurate information. It's also important that you disclose any mental or physical disabilities so we can arrange reasonable adjustments if needed. A medical report is required for all reasonable adjustment requests.
Once your application form has been approved, you will move onto the next stages of the recruitment process.
Stage One: Online National Sift
After submitting your application, you’ll be invited to complete the National Sift which comprises of two exercises that are designed to assess your potential to perform effectively in the role of a Police Constable. The two elements within the sift are designed to measure the behaviours and values required for the role of Police Constable as set out in the Competency and Values Framework (CVF). You can find out more about the CVF here.
If you have any technical difficulties with the online national sift and need to contact someone about it, please email the College of Policing Technical team at [email protected].
Stage Two: Online Assessment Centre (OAC)
If you pass the sift, you’ll move to the Online Assessment Centre, which comprises of:
- Competency-Based Interview (CBI): Five questions about past experiences (~40 minutes).
- Written Exercise: A task where you’ll assume the role of a police constable (~40 minutes).
- Briefing Exercise: Handling and responding to issues as a police constable (~1 hour).
Preparing for the OAC:
- We’ll provide resources such as a guide to the STAR approach, the Competency and Values Framework (CVF), and the Policing Principles.
- We encourage you to attend one of our webinars for additional support.
For further guidance and information on the Online Assessment Centre, please see the Candidate Journey Video from the College of Policing.
We encourage you to read the Candidate Guidance document and Candidate FAQs that outlines the process and provides additional supporting information here: http://www.college.police.uk/career-learning/joining-police/online-assessment-process.
No policing knowledge or prior knowledge of the role of Police Constable is required to successfully complete the exercises.
Further information on the role profile of a Police Constable can be found here: https://profdev.college.police.uk/professional-profile/police-constable/.
Important Details:
- You’ll receive your OAC invitation from the online recruitment portal (check your spam/junk folder).
- The assessment links will be sent on your start date, and you’ll have seven days to complete all exercises.
Reasonable Adjustments:
If you need extra support during the assessment (e.g., due to medical conditions, pregnancy, or neurodivergence), please ensure you have provided relevant documentation from a qualified professional as part of your initial application to permit the necessary adjustments.
Find out more about the SIFT and Online Assessment process from the College of Policing.
Once you pass the assessments, you’ll be invited for an in-person interview with Norfolk Constabulary.
Preparing for the In Force Final Board Interview:
- We will provide interview guidance, and you will be invited to attend a webinar prior to your interview date to help you prepare
- Format: Competency-based interview (60 minutes)
- Content: Focused on the Policing Principles and the Competencies and Values Framework (CVF) 2024
- What to Bring: Valid ID (a list of suitable documents will be emailed to you).
This is also your opportunity to ask questions about the role. Interview details will be sent via email at least seven days in advance.
Before your final offer, we’ll conduct several checks:
- Medical: Complete a work health questionnaire, ensuring all medical history is disclosed. You will be invited to attend a medical appointment with a nurse for various health checks, and to discuss your medical history.
- Vetting: Provide detailed information about yourself and household members. A full vetting check will be carried out.
- Biometric Vetting: DNA sample (mouth swab) and fingerprints will be required.
- Fitness Test: Complete a 15-metre "bleep test" (minimum pass level: 5.4).
- References: Provide employment references for the last five years. If unavailable, character references will be requested.
If successful at the final board interview, you’ll receive a conditional offer while pre-employment checks are completed (these take 3–6 months).
Do not resign from your current job until all checks are finalised.
Once you have cleared all pre-employment checks and been approved for the role, a final offer and start date will be issued. Intakes take place throughout the year, and you’ll be notified of your start date closer to the time.
You’ll undergo a probation period based on your chosen programme:
- PCEP: Two years
- PCDA: Three years
We’re here to support you throughout this process and ensure your transition into policing is smooth and successful.