At a Glance
- Tasks: Train to become a neighbourhood police officer and create safer communities.
- Company: Join the Metropolitan Police Service with Police Now, a Times Top 100 Graduate Employer.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible work hours, generous leave, and pension scheme.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives and transform communities.
- Qualifications: Must be over 17, hold UK level 3 qualifications, and have a relevant degree.
- Other info: Access to a peer network of 3,500 officers and support for career progression.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 ÂŁ per year.
Join to apply for the National Graduate Programme - Neighbourhood (Metropolitan Police Service) role at Police Now. This range is provided by Police Now. Your actual pay will be based on your skills and experience â talk with your recruiter to learn more.
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. As a Times Top 100 Graduate Employer, our twoâyear programme is designed to train and develop graduates, from any degree discipline, who want to build public trust and confidence in policing, reduce crime, and transform communities.
You don't need any previous policing knowledge or experience to join our programme; however, you'll need to show that your motivations align with our mission.
The role involves partnering with The Metropolitan Police Service for our 2026 National Graduate Programme where you'll train to become a neighbourhood police officer. In this role, you will be at the forefront of creating safer communities, working proactively to address longâterm issues and improve the quality of life for those in the communities you serve.
You'll be part of a neighbourhood policing team, spending two years embedded within a community. During this time, you will identify threats, harm and risk and tackle local issues and complex challenges. Being a police officer is demanding and intense but incredibly rewarding. You'll have the opportunity to truly make a difference to the communities you serve and have a lasting impact on individuals' lives. While there will be challenging moments and new practices to get used to, you'll be supported by a wide network to guide you along the way.
Our programme gives you the opportunity to make our society better by developing skills to become a future leader in society and on the policing frontline. You will have full ownership and responsibility for bringing about positive change. There is no greater feeling than seeing the work you do impact someone's life for the better.
Why Police Now?
- Your salary of ÂŁ42,210 will be paid from day one of the training academy.
- You'll have the opportunity to go on a fourâweek external secondment or internal attachment opportunity in your second year of the programme. Previous secondees have gone to Accenture and the Home Office.
- You'll have access to a Performance and Development coach during the two years.
- Beyond the programme, we offer support with promotion and progression.
- Join a peer network of 3,500 officers at other forces across England and Wales.
Rewards and benefits
- Leave â You'll start with 22 days per year (on top of public holidays), rising to 30 days depending on your length of service.
- Workâlife balance â This is not your typical 9â5. Police officers work varied shift patterns which gives them flexibility and freedom to maximise their time outside of work.
- Pension â 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.
- Travel â You'll have access to free and discounted travel perks in London.
To apply for this programme, you must:
- be over 17 years of age or older on application (and 18 by the time of appointment)
- hold at least two UK level 3 qualifications in any subject, or nonâUK equivalent
- be a British citizen or have settled status or leave to remain and work in the UK without restrictions
- hold a first, 2:1 or 2.2 in any undergraduate degree from a UK university (or equivalent from a nonâUK university) and have completed all education by the programme start date (July 2026). This includes partâtime or distance learning.
Application Process
- Online application
- Immersive assessment
- Assessment centre
If successful, you will receive a conditional offer and be allocated a dedicated Recruitment Officer to assist with your onboarding and preâemployment checks including a fitness test, medical assessment, and vetting.
Seniority level: Entry level
Employment type: Fullâtime
Job function: Other
Industries: Nonâprofit Organisations
National Graduate Programme - Neighbourhood in London employer: Police Now
Contact Detail:
Police Now Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice đ€«
We think this is how you could land National Graduate Programme - Neighbourhood in London
âšTip Number 1
Get to know the Metropolitan Police Service and their values. Research their community initiatives and understand how you can contribute to making a difference. This will help you align your motivations with their mission during interviews.
âšTip Number 2
Network like a pro! Connect with current officers or alumni from the programme on LinkedIn. Ask them about their experiences and any tips they might have for standing out in the application process.
âšTip Number 3
Prepare for the immersive assessment by practising situational judgement tests. These are designed to see how you would handle real-life scenarios as a police officer, so get familiar with the types of questions you might face.
âšTip Number 4
Donât forget to apply through our website! Itâs the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, youâll find all the resources you need to ace the process right there.
We think you need these skills to ace National Graduate Programme - Neighbourhood in London
Some tips for your application đ«Ą
Be Yourself: When filling out your application, let your personality shine through! We want to see the real you and understand what drives your passion for policing and community service.
Show Your Motivation: Make sure to clearly express why you want to join the National Graduate Programme. Weâre looking for candidates who align with our mission to build public trust and transform communities, so share your thoughts on that!
Tailor Your Application: Donât just send a generic application. Take the time to tailor your responses to reflect the specific skills and experiences that relate to the role. We appreciate when applicants show theyâve done their homework!
Apply Through Our Website: Remember to apply through our website for the best chance of success! Itâs the easiest way for us to keep track of your application and ensure you get all the updates you need.
How to prepare for a job interview at Police Now
âšKnow Your Why
Before heading into the interview, take some time to reflect on why you want to join the National Graduate Programme at Police Now. Be ready to articulate your motivations and how they align with their mission of building public trust and transforming communities.
âšResearch the Role
Familiarise yourself with the responsibilities of a neighbourhood police officer. Understand the challenges they face and think about how you can contribute to creating safer communities. This knowledge will help you answer questions more effectively and show your genuine interest in the role.
âšShowcase Your Skills
Even if you donât have previous policing experience, think about transferable skills from your degree or other experiences. Highlight your problem-solving abilities, teamwork, and communication skills during the interview, as these are crucial for tackling local issues and complex challenges.
âšPrepare Questions
Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare thoughtful questions about the programme, the training process, and the support you'll receive. This not only shows your enthusiasm but also helps you determine if this is the right fit for you.