Are Cambridgeshire Constabulary currently recruiting?

Unfortunately Cambridgeshire Constabulary is not currently recruiting for Police Officers.

How old do I have to be before I can apply?

You can submit your application at 18 years of age.

How much will I be paid on appointment?

You will be paid £21,534 on appointment, raising to £24,039 when you achieve independent status.

Is there an upper age limit when applying?

There is no upper age limit for appointment but bear in mind that normal retirement age for Police Constables and Sergeants is 55 and that new recruits are required to undertake a two year probationary period.

Can I apply with Criminal Convictions or Cautions?

You may be eligible to join with minor convictions or cautions, but this depends on how old you were at the time and what the conviction or caution was for. There are certain types of offences which will lead to instant rejection, such as murder, manslaughter, death by reckless driving, rape, kidnapping, firearms offences, gross indecency, hostage taking, hi-jacking or torture.

Do I have to be a British Citizen?

To be eligible for appointment you must be a British Citizen or an EC or EEA national or a Commonwealth Citizen or Foreign National with no restrictions on your stay in the UK. You must have also lived in the UK for a minimum of 3 years prior to your application.

If I am female or a member of a minority group, will my application be discriminated against?

Cambridgeshire Constabulary particularly welcome and encourage applications from female and ethnic minority groups as they are under represented. The principles of fair and open competition apply and appointments will be made on merit. Cambridgeshire Constabulary operate a positive action programme and support is provided throughout the recruitment process.

Can I apply if I have tattoos?

Yes, as long as your tattoo will not cause offence to members of the public or your colleagues, if you are successfully appointed you will be required to adhere to Cambridgeshire Constabulary's dress code.

Can I apply if I have County Court Judgements against me?

Yes, as long as the County Court Judgements have been discharged.

Can I apply if I have been declared bankrupt?

Applicants who have been registered as bankrupt and their bankruptcy debts have been discharged will only be considered after 3 years from discharge of the debt.

What qualifications do I need to become a Police Officer?

There are no formal educational requirements to become a Police Officer, but applicants must undergo two written tests and a numerical test. Therefore a reasonable standard of English and Maths is required.

How long does the recruitment process take?

Due to the high volume of applications we are receiving, the recruitment process is taking up to 18 months.

Can I apply to more than one force at a time?

No, you can only apply to one force at any one time.

If I am unsuccessful at any stage of the recruitment process, when can I re-apply?

If you are unsuccessful at any stage of the recruitment process, you will have to wait 6 months from the date of rejection before you can re-apply.

Do you have to be tall to join the Police?

No, there are no longer any height restrictions in place.

Can I wear religious clothing?

Cambridgeshire Constabulary respects individuals needs, particularly religious or cultural needs. A number of our officers wear a turban whilst on duty. We will also try wherever possible to accommodate other forms of religious clothing.

How long is the probationary period?

The probationary period for Police Constables is 2 years.

Do you have to work shifts?

Yes, you will be assigned to a division on joining and work a shift pattern which will include a variety of shifts which will cover 24 hours a day 7 days a week. An example of which would be 2 earlies, which is normally 06:00 to 14:00, 2 lates, normally 14:00 to 22:00 and 2 nights, normally 22:00 to 06:00.

How long do I have to be a Police Officer before I can join other departments such as the Dog Team?

All Police Officers during their probation period will work in a Reactive Unit, answering emergency calls from the public. Once your probation period has successfully been completed, normally 2 years, you are free to apply for specialist posts.

What happens in a medical examination?

Please note: Applicants who are just taking the drugs test need only take notice of the urine testing information below. All applicants for Police Officers will undergo a medical examination as part of the selection process.

The examination will take approximately 30 minutes and will be carried out by the Occupational Health Nurse Adviser.

The medical examination will comprise of 30 minutes with the Occupational Health Nurse Advisor, prior to an examination with the Force Medical Advisor which will take approximately 15 minutes.

With the OHNA

• Previous medical history and whether you have been exposed at any time to Occupational hazards.
• Height and weight
• Urine testing for which you will need to produce a fresh urine sample (please do not bring one with you). It is tested for sugar and protein to identify underlying health problems and evidence of substance misuse.
• Audiogram, which is a hearing test. The result of this test are better if you have avoided loud noises over the preceding 48 hours – e.g. Nightclubs and parties, DIY with drills/saws, use of personal stereo.
• Spirometry, which is a test for lung function.
• Simple eye testing including the colour blindness plates.

You MUST bring

Spectacles if you wear them. If you wear contact lenses, please bring solution and storage pot. Record of vaccinations, particularly if you have been vaccinated for Hepatitis B. Any medication you are taking.

With the FMA

This part of the medical examination will involve the candidate removing most of their clothing; it is suggested that you come prepared, by wearing confortable, easily removable casual clothing.

Female Candidates

Should you feel more comfortable during the medical examination with another female present, please speak to the OH Nurse or Administration Manager who will arrange for someone to ‘chaperon’

Queries

If you have any further queries please contact the Occupational Health Unit on: 01480 422632

What happens in a drugs test?

Please read 'What happens in a medical examination?'