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.
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