National Graduate Programme 2026

For every ambition, every action, every change. If you are ready to step into a role where your decisions shape real lives and communities, this is where your journey begins. Our two-year programme is designed to develop diverse graduates, from any degree, who want to build trust, reduce crime and transform communities as neighbourhood police officers and police detectives.

Our programme gives you the opportunity to make our society better by developing skills to become a future leader. Your salary is paid from day one when you start our training academy. Our programme prepares you to make a positive change and stop crime before it happens. There is no greater feeling than seeing the work you do impact someone’s life for the better. Register your interest now for our National Graduate Programme, starting in March 2026.

• Neighbourhood: As a neighbourhood police officer, you will protect communities, reduce crime and anti-social behaviour and increase public trust and confidence in policing. You’ll work in diverse communities, devise long term strategic solutions and work collaboratively with multi-agency teams.
• Detective: As a police detective, the most serious crimes land on your desk. You’re the key role responsible for bringing justice to victims impacted by crime. You need the resilience to overcome obstacles, the clarity to never take things at face value, and the ability to communicate with people from all walks of life and gain their trust.

Training and development: Our award-winning training sets the foundation for a successful and transformative career in policing. Throughout the Police Now training academy, you’ll have access to a Performance and Development Coach who will support you to navigate a new career and maximise your potential. Depending on which route you take, you can also apply for a secondment during the second year of the programme, which is a unique opportunity to experience working with external partners.

Career progression: Once you successfully complete the programme, you will be a fully warranted neighbourhood police officer or police detective with a permanent role in policing. You’ll also join our Police Now alumni network. Many of our graduates have been promoted after completing the programme or have explored other areas of policing such as Counter Terrorism, Firearms or Investigations.

Rewards and benefits

• Salary: Your salary will start on day one of your training academy. You will receive a starting salary of £29,907 – £40,776, depending on location. Your salary will increase each year up to £48,231 - £57,843 within seven years. On promotion to the next police rank, sergeant, you can earn a starting salary of £51,000 - £61,000.
• Leave: You’ll start with 22 days per year (on top of public holidays), rising to 30 days depending on your length of service. You can also expect other forms of leave including adoption, maternity and paternity.
• Work-life balance: This is not your typical 9-5. Police officers work varied shift patterns which gives them flexibility and freedom to maximise their time outside of work. Different to your typical working week, you’ll often receive several days off in a row. It may take some time to adapt to shift pattern working, but once you do, you may find that the flexibility of the schedule allows you to better balance work and home life.
• Pension: You’ll automatically be enrolled as a member of the Police Pension Scheme 2015, which awards police officers for their dedication and service to the public. It offers a generous and secure retirement package, providing officers with financial stability and peace of mind.
• Financial services discounts: There are various partner organisations who work alongside the police to offer a variety of financial services including saving, investment and protection products, as well as discounts and subsidies. Many major high street stores, retail outlets and other national organisations offer discounts and special deals to police officers. Most police forces also provide access to a number of subsidised leisure and sporting activities.