Below is a sample of our most frequently asked questions, we will be updating this on a regular basis - so please keep an eye out for any other questions that you may need answered.
1. When can I apply?
You can only apply when a campaign is live. There will be no recruitment in 2011.
2. How can I apply?
When a campaign is live, you can apply online or by post.
3. What is the age criteria?
For the current campaign, Applicants must have attained the age of 18 years and be no more than 57 years on appointment.
4. I am a serving officer in another force - can I transfer to PSNI?
A direct transfer at the rank of Constable has not been possible for the past ten years due to the (Patten) legislation governing appointment to the Service (50/50). This legislation is due to expire in March 2011. However, PSNI will only operate a direct transfer mechanism when there is an organisational need. There are no plans for a direct transfer mechanism in the near future.
For further information please contact the PSNI directly at
info@psni.pnn.police.uk
5. What qualifications do I need to apply?
We will assess your suitability for the role against national standards. Pre-entry criteria are currently under review.
6. What will I be paid as a PSNI Officer?
Please see here for details on current Constable salaries.
7. How fit do I need to be to join the PSNI?
The role of PSNI Constable can be very physically demanding. There will be a requirement to meet certain physical assessment standards. Therefore the PSNI advises that you should consider starting to prepare and build up your physical fitness. You should aim to be capable of running 3 miles without stopping, and you should incorporate a variety of activities such as swimming, rowing and running into your personal training regime. See here for further details.
8. What are the eyesight standards required to join the PSNI?
9. If I get laser eye surgery will I meet the eyesight standards to join the PSNI?
Laser eye surgery is usually very successful and is not a bar to recruitment provided that:
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There are no complications.
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The operation corrects visual acuity to meet the PSNI eyesight standard.
Recovery is rapid and PSNI do not set a time limit post surgery for considering the application. The candidate simply has to meet the standard when they present for medical.
10. Your website does not give enough detail about the medical standards required to join the PSNI-can you elaborate?
Unfortunately we are not able to give any further details about the Medical Standards required to join the PSNI as each person invited to a medical will be assessed as an individual. Please see here for the standards or refer to OHW who manage the medical stage of the process.
11. I have a criminal record can I join the PSNI?
Please refer to the Convictions Criteria for details. Other than asking you to study the convictions criteria and considering for yourself if you might be excluded we are not in a position to advise you further on this matter.
12. I have a tattoo, can I join the PSNI?
13. If I get offered a job will I be able to choose the police station where I will work?
Student Officers are given the opportunity, at an early stage in their training, to express an interest in serving in one of the eight Districts, however their District allocation will be based primarily on the organisational need.
Central HR allocate Student Officers to a District and then the District HR place them in a station. Student Officers therefore cannot choose a station.
Student Officer allocation depends on the resourcing needs of the Districts at the time of the Student Officer tutorship (i.e. 10-20 weeks post graduation).
Resourcing needs are determined by District Constable abstractions: appointments, promotions, transfer and severance.
14. If I get offered the job can I defer taking up the post? E.g. I want to finish University / I want to go on holiday / I want to complete my current work commitment etc and need to defer.
Deferrals are only considered in the most exceptional of circumstances.
Any request for a deffered offer of employment would need to be discussed with the Appointments Team at PSNI immediately after the initial job offer is made.