Graduates encouraged to consider policing career through national recruitment programme

Police Now, the UK's only national graduate entry route into policing, is recruiting trainee neighbourhood police officers to join forces across England and Wales in 2027.

The organisation is seeking graduates with strong problem-solving, leadership and communication skills, regardless of their degree subject, to help tackle crime, build community trust and support neighbourhood policing.

Katryna Smyth, Head of Recruitment at Police Now, said: "We are looking for people who are interested in problem solving, team building and partnership work, which are themes that are really prevalent in the policing world.

"Perhaps they are an analytical thinker who is passionate about making a change in their community. Or someone with sharp instincts and a commitment to justice. Applicants don't need to have any prior policing knowledge or experience, but they must support our mission to make change where it matters most."

Unlike the standard route into policing, which does not require a university degree, Police Now specifically recruits graduates who have achieved at least a 2:2 qualification in any subject.

Successful applicants join a two-year programme combining classroom-based learning with frontline policing experience.

Neighbourhood officer recruits begin with 11 weeks of intensive training, covering core policing skills including personal and public safety, before joining their chosen police force to work alongside experienced officers.

Throughout the programme, participants receive structured support from dedicated performance and development coaches, alongside mentoring and continued professional training as they develop their careers.

Katryna added: "What we look for is people who are highly motivated and align with Police Now's values. This means taking ownership of decisions, working well with partners and being culturally and emotionally aware. Staying calm and resilient under pressure and being able to analyse critically are also important."

Founded in 2014 within the Metropolitan Police Service, Police Now became an independent not-for-profit organisation and welcomed its first cohort of officers in 2015. Over the past decade, it has expanded to work with 37 police forces across England and Wales, recruiting graduates into neighbourhood policing, detective work, counter-terrorism and economic crime roles.

Its mission is to transform communities, reduce crime and anti-social behaviour, and improve public confidence in policing by attracting talented graduates who may never have previously considered joining the police service.

Graduates accepted onto the programme continue to receive career development support after completing their initial training, with coaching and guidance available to help them progress into specialist and leadership roles.

Applications for the 2027 National Graduate Programme close on 31 August. More information is available at https://www.policenow.org.uk/