Frequently asked questions
Frequently asked questions
These are the most commonly asked questions about a career in the police.
| What qualifications do I need to join the Police Service? |
| How fit do I need to be to join the Police Service? |
| How old do I need to be to join the police service? |
| As a postgraduate are there opportunities for me to enter the Police Service at a higher rank? |
| Do you have to be a graduate to apply to join the HPD scheme? |
| If I want to join the HPD scheme, do I have to join as a Constable? |
| What benefits does the HPD scheme offer me that standard entry doesn't? |
| How long does the recruitment process take from application to appointment? |
| Can I join the police service if I have been convicted of Grievous Bodily Harm (GBH) or Actual Bodily Harm (ABH)? |
| Can I work with firearms within the police service? |
| I have driving convictions. Can I join the police service? |
| Is there any upper limit on age for joining the police service? |
| Where can I join as a Police cadet? |
| Will I be paid more than a standard entry recruit if I am selected as High Potential? |
| What are the nationality criteria for joining the police service? |
| If I am underweight/overweight can I join the police service? |
| Can people suffering from asthma join the police? |
| Do you have a criminal record ? |
| What can I do if my application is unsuccessful? |
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Up to the questionsWhat qualifications do I need to join the Police Service? There are no formal educational requirements for recruitment to the police service but applicants must undergo an assessment centre test which will assess a variety of key skills. If successful you will then have an interview and will be required to take a keyboard skills assessment. -
Click here for more information about How fit do I need to be to join the Police Service? Up to the questionsHow fit do I need to be to join the Police Service? You must be physically fit and healthy to perform policing duties safely and effectively. You will take a fitness test as part of the recruitment process. -
Up to the questionsHow old do I need to be to join the police service? To apply to the Police Service you must be at least 18 years old. There is no upper age limit although the compulsory retirement age for constables and sergeants is 60 years and there is a two year probationary period. -
Click here for more information about As a postgraduate are there opportunities for me to enter the Police Service at a higher rank? Up to the questionsAs a postgraduate are there opportunities for me to enter the Police Service at a higher rank? There are currently no opportunities for postgraduates to enter the Police services at a higher rank. -
Up to the questionsDo you have to be a graduate to apply to join the HPD scheme? No. Anyone who has been made an offer for standard entry to the police service can apply. -
Up to the questionsIf I want to join the HPD scheme, do I have to join as a Constable? Yes, you will join as a constable and undergo standard training and probation. This ensures that you have a thorough grounding of police work. -
Click here for more information about What benefits does the HPD scheme offer me that standard entry doesn't? Up to the questionsWhat benefits does the HPD scheme offer me that standard entry doesn't? You will be offered a range of opportunities to develop your competence and realise your full potential, both in your current rank and the next rank. -
Up to the questionsHow long does the recruitment process take from application to appointment? Generally, the recruitment process for the police service is about four to six months -
Up to the questionsCan I join the police service if I have been convicted of Grievous Bodily Harm (GBH) or Actual Bodily Harm (ABH)? You are not acceptable if you have been convicted of any serious offence involving violence. -
Click here for more information about Can I work with firearms within the police service? Up to the questionsCan I work with firearms within the police service? You first need to join the police service as a regular police constable. Once you successfully complete your two-year probationary period, you can apply to be posted to one of the many specialist posts. -
Up to the questionsI have driving convictions. Can I join the police service? Your application will be rejected if you have been convicted for reckless or dangerous driving within the last ten years; one offence of drink/drugs driving or drunk in charge in the last ten years; more than one offence of drink/drugs driving or drunk in charge; other serious motoring offences within the last five years; three or more endorsable traffic convictions (including fixed penalties) within the last five years. -
Click here for more information about Is there any upper limit on age for joining the police service? Up to the questionsIs there any upper limit on age for joining the police service? There is no upper age limit for appointment but you need to bear in mind that the normal retirement age for police constables and sergeants is 55 years. -
Up to the questionsWhere can I join as a Police cadet? Merseyside Police run a voluntary cadet scheme. -
Up to the questionsWill I be paid more than a standard entry recruit if I am selected as High Potential? No, you will earn the same as others in your rank. The High Potential Scheme gives you opportunities to enable you to develop more quickly. -
Click here for more information about What are the nationality criteria for joining the police service? Up to the questionsWhat are the nationality criteria for joining the police service? To be eligible for appointment you must either be: 1. A British Citizen or a citizen of the EC or other states in the EEA (Iceland, Norway, Liechtenstein). It is essential that you live in the UK, free of restrictions or be eligible to do so. -
Up to the questionsIf I am underweight/overweight can I join the police service? You should not be significantly over or underweight. -
Click here for more information about Can people suffering from asthma join the police? Up to the questionsCan people suffering from asthma join the police? The Disability Discrimination Act now applies to police forces. All applicants are assessed on their individual circumstances. If you are successful at the assessment centre stage, you wil be invited to attend a medical test. -
Click here for more information about Do you have a criminal record ? Up to the questionsDo you have a criminal record ? You must be honest and have a high degree of integrity to be a Merseyside Police officer. -
Up to the questionsWhat can I do if my application is unsuccessful? In order to maintain the confidence of the people of Merseyside, the Force has robust selection and vetting processes for all posts within Merseyside Police. This ensures that only the most fitted people are successful in gaining employment with us. The vacancies that are advertised consistently attract a high number of applicants. This results in our selection processes being very competitive. Inevitably many candidates will be unsuccessful in their applications. Whilst we recognise that this is disappointing, we are not able to provide feedback as to the reasons why applications have failed and there is no appeals process.
