Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Train to become a neighbourhood police officer, tackling local issues and enhancing community safety.
- Company: Join Police Now, dedicated to transforming communities and building trust through policing.
- Benefits: Enjoy a starting salary of £29,907, flexible shifts, 22-30 days leave, and a secure pension.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in your community while developing leadership skills in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Must be over 17, hold a degree, and be a UK citizen or resident with settled status.
- Other info: Complete a seven-week training academy and join a network of successful alumni after graduation.
The predicted salary is between 29907 - 48231 £ per year.
Overview
2026 Police Now National Graduate Programme – Neighbourhood, Suffolk.
Our two-year programme is designed to develop diverse graduates, from any degree, who want to build trust, reduce crime and transform communities.
Role and programme
You’ll train to become a neighbourhood police officer and be at the forefront of creating safer communities, working proactively to address long-term issues and enhance the quality of life for residents in the communities you serve. You’ll work as part of a neighbourhood policing team, spending two years embedded within a community, focusing on identifying threats, harm and risk and tackling local issues and complex challenges. Being a police officer is demanding and intense, but you’ll be supported by a wide network to guide you along the way. The programme aims to develop skills to become a future leader in policing and on the frontline.
Your salary is paid from day one when you start training. During the programme, you will have ownership and responsibility for bringing about positive change and seeing the impact of your work on people’s lives.
Eligibility and qualifications
- Be over 17 years of age or older on application (18 by the time of appointment).
- Be a British citizen, a citizen of an EEA member state or Switzerland, or a Commonwealth citizen or foreign national who is resident in the UK and has settled status or leave to remain and work 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 (March 2026). This includes part-time or distance learning.
Training and development
Our award-winning training sets the foundation for a successful and transformative career in policing. Throughout the seven-week residential 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 an external secondment or internal attachment during the second year of the programme.
Career progression
Upon successful completion, you will be a fully warranted neighbourhood police officer with a permanent role in policing and you’ll join our Police Now alumni network. Many graduates have gone on to promotion or moved into areas such as Counter Terrorism, Violence Against Women and Girls, Firearms or Investigations.
Rewards and benefits
Salary
Your salary starts from day one of the training academy, with a starting salary of £29,907, rising to £48,231 within seven years. On promotion to the rank of sergeant, the starting salary can be £51,408.
Leave
You’ll start with 22 days per year (plus public holidays), rising to 30 days depending on length of service. Other leave includes adoption, maternity and paternity.
Work-life balance
Shift patterns mean varied hours and several days off in a row, which can help balance work and home life once adapted.
Pension
Automatic enrollment in the Police Pension Scheme 2015, offering a secure retirement package.
Financial services discounts
Discounts and subsidies with partner organisations, plus access to subsidised leisure and sporting activities.
Application process
- Online application to provide personal details and indicate any adjustments needed during recruitment.
- Immersive assessment to experience scenarios that reflect the role.
- Assessment centre to demonstrate motivations and gain further role insight.
- Conditional offer with onboarding support and pre-employment checks (fitness test, medical, references, vetting). Final offer depends on passing all checks.
#J-18808-Ljbffr
2026 Police Now National Graduate Programme – Neighbourhood - Suffolk employer: TargetJobs UK
Contact Detail:
TargetJobs UK Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land 2026 Police Now National Graduate Programme – Neighbourhood - Suffolk
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the core values and mission of the Police Now programme. Understanding their focus on community trust and crime reduction will help you align your motivations and experiences during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Engage with current or former participants of the programme through social media or networking events. They can provide valuable insights into the application process and what to expect during the training.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for the immersive assessment by practising situational judgement tests. These will help you think critically about real-life scenarios you might face as a neighbourhood police officer.
✨Tip Number 4
Showcase your commitment to community service in your discussions. Highlight any volunteer work or initiatives you've been involved in that demonstrate your dedication to making a positive impact in society.
We think you need these skills to ace 2026 Police Now National Graduate Programme – Neighbourhood - Suffolk
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Take time to thoroughly read the job description for the Police Now National Graduate Programme. Understand the responsibilities of a neighbourhood police officer and how your skills can contribute to community safety.
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experiences, skills, and achievements that align with the role. Emphasise any community work, leadership roles, or problem-solving experiences that demonstrate your suitability for policing.
Craft a Strong Personal Statement: Write a personal statement that reflects your passion for community service and policing. Share specific examples of how you have made a positive impact in your community and why you want to join the programme.
Prepare for Assessments: Familiarise yourself with the assessment process, including immersive scenarios and the assessment centre. Practice situational judgement tests and think about how you would respond to real-life policing challenges.
How to prepare for a job interview at TargetJobs UK
✨Understand the Role
Make sure you have a clear understanding of what being a neighbourhood police officer entails. Research the responsibilities, challenges, and the impact this role has on the community. This will help you articulate your motivations and how you can contribute.
✨Showcase Your Values
Demonstrate your commitment to building trust and transforming communities. Be prepared to discuss examples from your past experiences that highlight your dedication to public service, teamwork, and problem-solving in challenging situations.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect to face scenario-based questions during the interview. Practice responding to hypothetical situations that a neighbourhood police officer might encounter. This will showcase your critical thinking and decision-making skills.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions to ask the interviewers about the programme and the role. This shows your genuine interest and helps you assess if the position aligns with your career goals. Inquire about training opportunities, community engagement strategies, or career progression.