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?
Applications for the January 2010 PSNI recruitment campaign (Campaign 1001) are being accepted between 9am January 14th and 5pm February 12th 2010.
2. How can I apply?
The quickest and most efficient method of applying is via our online application form on this website. Alternatively you can contact our call centre for an application pack on 0800 028 44 11 (UK) or 1 800 509 305 (ROI). Please note we will not be able to send you an application form if you email or fax us-simply use the online application form or call our call centre to apply.
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. For this recruitment campaign, this means that:
- Your 18th birthday should be on or before 12th July 2010.
- Your 57th birthday should be on or after 12th July 2010.
4. I am a serving officer in another force - can I transfer to PSNI?
The PSNI do not have a direct transfer mechanism at the rank of Constable because of the current (Patten) legislation governing appointment to the Service (50/50). However, serving officers from other forces can, and do, apply through the external process (managed by us), and if successful, training is often condensed and service is normally carried forward from the previous force. Please refer here for details. For further information please contact the PSNI directly at
info@psni.pnn.police.uk
5. I have submitted an online application form - what is the next stage?
When we receive your fully completed application we will review it thoroughly, and provided that you meet the eligibility requirements and have fully completed the form, we will write to you with a date, time and location for your first test, the Initial Selection Test. We anticipate that it will take at least 10 working days to process your application.
6. I have completed and passed the Initial Selection Test in a previous campaign - do I have to take it again?
Yes - there are no exemptions from the Initial Selection Test.
7. I have completed and passed the Assessment Centre in a previous campaign - do I have to take it again?
Yes - there are no exemptions from the Assessment Centre.
8. What qualifications do I need to apply?
Applicants to the PSNI for this role are not required to have any formal education qualifications. We will assess your suitability for the role using an Initial Selection Test and an Assessment Centre.
9. How can I practice for my IST?
Please use the Practice Test to help you prepare for your IST:
This is the only preparatory material we can provide to you. You may wish to search online or in a book shop for additional practice materials which may help you prepare for tests in comprehension and analytical reasoning, but we are not in a position to recommend anything in particular.
10. What will I be paid as a PSNI Officer?
Please see here for details on current Constable salaries.
11. How fit do I need to be to join the PSNI?
The role of PSNI Constable can be very physically demanding. Whereas there is no Physical Exam as part of the recruitment process you are starting out on, there will be a requirement to meet certain physical assessment standards as part of your training if you are successful and offered a post with the PSNI. Therefore the PSNI advise that you should consider starting to prepare now and build up your physical fitness as soon as possible. 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.
12. What are the eyesight standards required to join the PSNI?
13. 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:
-
There are no complications.
-
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.
14. 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.
15. 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.
16. I have a tattoo, can I join the PSNI?
17. Will my personal information be safe if I apply online?
Yes, please be assured that your information will be safe if you apply using our website. Please refer to our Privacy Policy for details.
18. 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.
19. 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.