Stage 1: Your application. In the application pack, we request much of the information required to get your application under way. This includes four competency-based questions on specific areas vital to that of a police officer. The four questions will be marked and this will make up the first half of short listing.

Stage 2: Our administration process. We carry out security checks, which includes a Police National Computer check, as well as an Occupational Health check. This makes up the second half of the short listing stage.

Stage 3: When all of the checks have been completed, and are of a satisfactory level, we will write to you advising you that you have been successful at short listing. We will then invite you to a Centrex Police Recruit Assessment Centre. Here you will undergo vigorous testing to enable the assessors to determine if you are suitable for employment as a police officer. The assessment will consist of 2 written tests, 4 role-play exercises, a structured interview, a verbal logical reasoning test and a numerical test.

Stage 4: With the assessment centre successfully completed, you will be invited to force headquarters for a fitness test. You will be required to reach level 5/4 on the multi-stage shuttle run, and also push 34kg and pull 35kg on the upper-body strength test. (You are entitled to 3 attempts at the fitness test should they be required).

Stage 5: With the fitness test successfully completed, we will take up your previous employment references, going back 10 years. If you do not have 10 years of employment history, we will also reference you at your last educational establishment.

Stage 6: We will invite you back to force headquarters for a Medical Examination with our Force Medical Advisor.

Stage 7: With the Medical Examination successfully completed, we will carry out our final checks, making sure we have everything we need to proceed with your application.

Stage 8: When we are in receipt of all the necessary information and results we require, and they are of a satisfactory level, we will write to you offering you a position as a Probationer Police Constable. (This is subject to there being suitable vacancies at the time).

Download a flowchart of the timescales for the recruitment process of a officer.