Opportunities Beyond Your Probation

Make it a Career

There are a range of exciting opportunities open to you after you complete your two year probationary period and have also completed your one year commitment period to your initial District. You may choose to stay within the Local Policing Team, or to apply for a Specialist role.

Please check the pods below to explore where your career with the Police Service of Northern Ireland may lead you.

Core Roles

New Constables will spend the first three years attached to Local Policing Teams. You may wish to continue serving in Local Policing Teams however once confirmed in rank and having also completed your one year commitment period, a range of opportunities open up across the Service. Furthermore you may wish to seek promotion through the ranks as follows:

Constable
Sergeant
Inspector
Chief Inspector
Super
intendent
Chief Super
intendent
Assistant Chief Constable
Deputy Chief Constable
Chief Constable

Constable – Constables are responsible for keeping people safe, the protection of life and property, preventing harm, protecting the vulnerable, the prevention and detection of crime, detecting offenders, and the maintenance of public order
Sergeant – Working mainly in Local Policing Teams, Sergeants will supervise their teams as part of the frontline of community engagement and the criminal justice system. They will also oversee the identification, monitoring and response to local community issues.
Inspector – Inspectors are responsible for planning, organising and authorising a variety of tasks. Working mainly within Local Policing Teams, they will assign geographical ownership, monitor and ensure engagement with purpose is embedded.
Chief Inspector - This is a middle management role in the delivery of policing services. The purpose of this role is to co-ordinate the work of teams of constables, sergeants, inspectors and police staff and/or management of a department with specific geographical or functional responsibility for the delivery of a range of diverse policing services.
Superintendent - This is a senior management role in the delivery of policing services. The purpose of this role is responsibility for setting of strategy, standards and day to day operational policy across a single department or a range of policing responsibilities, and authorising operational activity in line with legislative powers accorded to the rank.
Chief Superintendent - This is the most senior local or departmental police manager role in the delivery of policing services. The purpose of this role is leadership in the development of strategy, standards and operational policy and authorising operational activity in line with legislative powers according to the rank. The role also entails responsibility for commanding larger departments, or larger geographical areas, on a day to day basis.
Assistant Chief Constable – ACCs direct and manage those areas of the PSNI as allocated by the Chief Constable and Deputy Chief Constable. ACCs are responsible either for a given territorial area or for a major functional Department or combination of Departments.
Deputy Chief Constable – Responsible for directing and co-ordinating the aspects of Service Operations and Support Services as directed by the Chief Constable and as part of the Service Executive Team. The DCC will preside at disciplinary hearings and appeals in accordance with current service policy.
Chief Constable – The most senior leader of the organisation, the Chief Constable has a duty to lead, manage and control the PSNI in providing an effective, efficient, impartial and accountable policing service. The CC is accountable to the Northern Ireland Policing Board in the prevention and detection of crime, maintaining public order and the rule of law.

If you wish to take your police career in a particular direction see the Specialist Roles section for some examples and for further information.

Specialist Roles

Click on the photos below for more information on some of the specialisms.

Roads Policing

Role of a Roads Policing Officer

Ensuring the safety and security of all road users.

Key responsibilities include:

Drive and ride police patrol vehicles to the appropriate level to support the policing of roads
Attend and conduct the primary investigation of road related incidents
Provide a visible presence on the roads by carrying out designated and proactive patrols and using intelligence and/or Automated Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) information to deter crime, reassure the community, and reduce fear of crime
Use specialist driving skills and pre-emptive methods to provide tactical resolution for vehicles that are failing to stop

Tactical Support Group

Providing an effective, efficient, high quality approach to policing demands in the Police Service of Northern Ireland, with specialist capability in search and public order.

Prepare for and participate in operations to combat crime and enhance community safety
Provide an effective response to incidents of public disorder
Carry out in-depth searches of vehicles, premises and open areas
Provide specialist support to maritime, roads policing and safe transport operations

Detective

Conduct investigations from crime scene to conclusion seeking prosecutions for the more serious and complex criminal cases on behalf of victims and the community.

Key responsibilities include:

Crime scene attendance to understand the crime and coordinate with CSI’s and other disciplines for evidence recording and gathering
Identification and exploitation of main lines of enquiry to further the identification of suspects, working with other specialists if required
Interviews of victims, witnesses and suspects to gain evidence and test accounts
Victim and witness care and if necessary safeguarding
Case building and developing evidence to present to the Public Prosecution Service (PPS)
Work in partnership with the PPS to deliver professional prosecutions and seek justice on behalf of the victim and wider society

Public Protection

Specialist investigators investigate some of the most serious crime, against some of the most vulnerable people in our communities.

Public Protection Branch is made up of the following:

Child Abuse Investigation Unit (CAIU) & Historical Child Abuse Team (HCAT)
Domestic Abuse & Adult Safeguarding (DAAS)
Offender Management Unit (OMU)
Child Sexual Exploitation (CSE)
Multi-agency Public Protection Team (PPT)
Public Protection Arrangements NI Links (PPANI)
Child Internet Protection Team (CIPT) & Child Abuse Image Database (CAID)
Rape Crime Unit (RCU)
Central Referral Unit (CRU)

Case study: Child Sexual Exploitation (CSE)

Do you have the skills to spot the signs?

Child sexual exploitation is a form of child sexual abuse. It occurs where an individual or group takes advantage of an imbalance of power to coerce, manipulate or deceive a child or young person under the age of 18 into sexual activity (a) in exchange for something the victim needs or wants, and/or (b) for the financial advantage or increased status of the perpetrator or facilitator. The victim may have been sexually exploited even if the sexual activity appears consensual. Child sexual exploitation does not always involve physical contact; it can also occur through the use of technology.

It is important to point out that the ‘something’ may not always be tangible items such as food, drugs, alcohol or money, but also can include intangible items such as perceived affection, protection or a sense of belonging.

Detective Superintendent Gary Reid emphasises, “as police officers, it is our responsibility to protect those young people at risk of exploitation and disrupt and prosecute offenders”.

Close Protection

Providing armed protection to various visiting members of the Royal Family, Government Ministers and members of the judicial system

Key responsibilities include:

Identify and manage operational threats and risks
Provide a vehicle escort for the safe passage of other road users
Liaise with other services
Prepare for, and participate in, planned law enforcement operations
Drive vehicles to protect people or goods at risk

Skills and qualifications required...

Communication skills
Ability to show initiative and problem solve
High levels of forward thinking organisational skills
Aptitude for driving
Physical fitness
Be confidential and discreet
Ability to read maps
High levels of firearms training

Stepping Stones to CPU...

Intensive selection process
CPU Physical Competency Assessment
Assessment on firearms
Scenarios to test an officer's communications skills, tactical awareness and use of force
6 weeks National Protection Officer's Course
1 year probationary period
4 weeks Advanced Driving Course (to be completed during probation period)

Intelligence

Intelligence drives police operations against Child Sexual Exploitation, cyber-enabled crime, Human Trafficking, drugs, robbery, paramilitarism and the security threat.

Key responsibilities include:

Conduct intelligence driven briefing, tasking and debriefing
Plan, prepare and conduct intelligence operations
Evaluate information to determine its intelligence potential
Make applications for authorisations for police activity in line with the Regulation of Investigatory Powers (RIPA) Act 2000
Produce intelligence products, which are used by decision makers to inform their considerations on what action to take to keep people safe.

Training

To equip you for a role in Intelligence branch you will receive bespoke training, whether that be on how to handle information to grade and sanitise to protect the confidentiality of the person providing it through to specific analytical training. You must have completed your probation, be operationally fit prior to applying and have a police driving card. Officers who apply will go through a number of assessments and development as follows:

Legislative and policy Assessment: Knowledge of legislation and policy pertinent to the role of Intelligence Officer
An assessment period examining the officers’ ability and competency in relation to the National Occupational Standards for the role
Relevant bespoke training
Completion of relevant vetting procedure
Completion of one year probation which includes continuous professional developmental courses and development portfolio leading to a University accredited Diploma

Dog Handler

To utilise police dogs to prevent and respond to crime and disorder.

Key responsibilities include:

Contribute to the security of the custodial environment using a dog
Monitor, maintain the health, wellbeing and safety of dogs
Complete searches using dogs
Manage performance of dogs

Cyber Crime

Keeping individuals and communities safe from crimes such as fraud, human exploitation, illegal commodity supply, hate crime and hacking.

Key responsibilities include:

Conduct computer network investigations*
Investigate electronic evidence
Evaluate and report electronic evidence
Seize and report electronic evidence sources
Capture and preserve electronic evidence

*‘computer network’ refers to a number of connected computers and or other electronic devices. The computers and devices which are part of the network can "talk" to each other and exchange information.

Career Progression and Ongoing Training

Career Development and Promotion Process

Within the police service being a leader is not just about rank or grade; individuals at every level are being exposed to situations requiring them to demonstrate leadership ability. The nature of the service we deliver and the role we perform in society brings with it significant responsibility and an expectation that everyone in our organisation is capable of fulfilling a leadership role.

The PSNI take a pragmatic approach to developing our leaders and managers; one that recognises both the organisation's and the individual’s responsibility and contribution with regards their own development at the various levels of police leadership.

Fast Track Programme

The Police Service of Northern Ireland is committed to attracting, developing, progressing and retaining highly talented officers.

The Fast Track Programme is a development and promotion mechanism used to enable the most talented to advance to the rank of Inspector within two years.

The Fast Track Programme focuses on leadership, management and the provision of operational skills, knowledge and experience, and provides an understanding of policy and practice through study and practical experience.

On completion, you will have:

Achieved a pass at PSNI Inspector's promotion exam
Achieved all learning standards within the core leadership programme at the rank of sergeant
Performed effectively in the rank of sergeant in line with the core competencies of the rank
Demonstrated readiness for promotion to Inspector

Internal Training

Mandatory Training

Training will continue to be a vital aspect of your role and courses are run locally within your district, department and at the Police College.

The mandatory training courses that you will continue to complete during your time as an officer are outlined below:

Operational Firearms

Course aim:

To train police officers in Tactical Firearms skills commensurate with the core skills profile. Police officers are required to carry out this training twice a year.

Course objectives:

Knowledge of Law & Procedures & Dealing with People
Knowledge of Roles
Post Deployment
Issues, Carriage and Deployment of Firearms
Carries, Handles and shoots a Police Firearm
Participates in incidents involving Firearms
Participates in Armed containment
Deals with Subjects on Foot
Deals with Subjects in Vehicles

Non-Operational Firearms

Course aim:

To train non-operational police officers in Firearms skills and use of force commensurate with the core skills profile. Police officers are required to carry out this training once a year.

Course objectives:

Knowledge of Law & Procedures
Knowledge of Roles
Investigations and Remedies
Authorises the Issue of Firearms
Carries, Handles and shoots a Police Firearm
Participates in Operations while armed
Deals with conflict

First Aid

Course aim:

To enable you to achieve competency in skills necessary to provide initial assistance or treatment to someone who is injured or suddenly taken ill. Police officers are required to carry out this training once every three years.

Course objectives:

Manage a scene and assess casualties
Perform adult, child and infant basic life support techniques
Manage a casualty with breathing problems
Manage a casualty with circulatory problems
Manage a casualty with skeletal injury
Manage a casualty with central nervous system problems

Personal Safety Programme (PSP)

Course aim:

To provide you with the necessary skills, knowledge and understanding to enable you to manage conflict and ensure the safety of police officers and the public whilst carrying out your duties. Police officers are required to carry out this training once a year.

Course objectives:

Apply legislation, European Convention of Human Rights and policy to the police use of force
Choose the correct tactical option for dealing with different levels of violence in line with the Conflict Management Model
Evaluate the effects of stress and natural chemicals on their actions when dealing with confrontation / violence
Use communication skills to deal with confrontation
Perform unarmed techniques for dealing with different levels of violence

Other training that is available to all officers includes:

Combined Operational Training - Boat training; Dog training; Observations; Public order training; Search; Traffic and driver training
Human Rights Training - Human Rights training; Policing with children and young; Policing and human rights; Human rights – contract management
Investigative Training - Assets recovery agency; Crime workshop; Holmes training; Public protection unit training; Reactive and organised crime training
Leadership Training and Command Training - Coaching and mentoring workshops; CPD – Executive skills; Leadership training
Training Support and Development Programme for Trainers - Advanced Diploma in professional teaching; Canterbury certificate in police training
Policing Skills
Communication Skills

Training and development opportunities as your career progresses

Throughout your learning and development journey you’ll be encouraged to maximise your potential.

Within the Police Service of Northern Ireland you will have the opportunity to progress in your career and continually develop. A range of processes and programmes are in place to help facilitate this:

Leadership Training Faculty

Leadership Training Faculty at the Police College NI provide a number of opportunities to develop both individuals and teams, across the organisation. The training provided supports the wider People and Culture Strategy 2020-25, and is underpinned by the CVF values.

The Leadership Training Faculty currently offer the following leadership pathways and training:

Senior Leadership Development Programme for Chief Inspector, Deputy Principal and above;
First Line Leaders Development Programme, for Sergeant, EO2 and above;
Masterclasses for Leaders at all levels;
Collaborative external training programmes;
Insights Discovery programmes for personal and team awareness, growth and performance.

Senior Leaders Development Programme (SLDP)

This programme is ongoing for Deputy Principal, Chief Inspector and above.

The programme is delivered in collaboration with the College of Policing and is aligned to the University of Portsmouth’s Leadership and Management Faculty for accreditation.

First Line Leaders Development Programme (FLLDP)

This new programme is currently being designed for Sergeant, EO2 and above.

Masterclasses

These Leadership masterclasses, facilitated by both internal and external experts, have been designed to support our people and provide an opportunity for development.

Insights Discovery Programme

The Insights Discovery methodology uses a simple and memorable four colour model to help people understand their style, their strengths and the value they bring to the team. We are presently offering Insights Discovery 'Team Effectiveness Workshops', either virtually or face to face.

The workshop focuses on;

Understanding communication preferences – self and others;
Effective relationships with colleagues;
Striving to improve communication and minimise conflict;
Achieving success through building strong partnerships.

Professional Development Review

The Police Service of Northern Ireland has an established culture of continuous professional development linked to the Internal Professional Development Review (PDR) system. Individuals will use the PDR platform as a means to strive for continuous performance development. Within the PDR, which is led through line management, continuous performance conversations will be held on a regular basis to reflect your progress, achievements, support needed and identify any development requirements.