National Graduate Programme - Neighbourhood (Metropolitan Police Service) in London

National Graduate Programme – Neighbourhood (Metropolitan Police Service)
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 — talk with your recruiter to learn more.
Base pay range
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 two‑year 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
We are 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 long‑term 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 £42,210 will be paid from day one of the training academy.
You’ll have the opportunity to go on a four‑week 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 – You’ll start with 22 days per year (on top of public holidays), rising to 30 days depending on your length of service.
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.
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.
Travel – 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 non‑UK 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 non‑UK university) and have completed all education by the programme start date (July 2026). This includes part‑time 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 pre‑employment checks including a fitness test, medical assessment, and vetting.
Seniority level
Entry level
Employment type
Full‑time
Job function
Other
Industries – Non‑profit Organisations
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