POLICE are best at protecting the public and making sure people feel safe.
There are many ways to become a police officer, but what do they get paid?
What is a police officer's salary in the UK?
There are different routes into getting a job in the police, but how much do they get paid?
The average salary of a police officer is around £26,891 or £13.79 per hour in the UK according to Talent.com.
Entry level positions start at £24,174 per year while most experienced workers make up to £39,721 per year.
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The starting salary for police constables in England, Wales and Northern Ireland is £21,402, rising to £41,130 at the top of the scale which can be achieved after about seven years.
However, other roles in the police can earn even more than this.
The average salary for a police detective is £42,425 per year in the United Kingdom.
How can I become a police officer?
There are multiple routes into becoming a police officer.
You can get into this job through:
- a university course
- a college course
- an apprenticeship
- working towards this role
- applying directly
If you already have a university degree then you can apply for the degree holder entry programme.
Or you could take a related course at college before applying directly through the police constabulary.
There is also a Police Constable Degree Apprenticeship (PCDA) which is a three year work-based programme that leads to a degree in Professional Policing Practice.
What qualifications do I need to become a police officer?
The qualifications you need to become a police officer depend on what route you are planning to take.
Some routes will just require a GCSE in maths and english.
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However, there are also personal skills you will need if you have what it takes.
You'll need:
- legal knowledge including court procedures and government regulations
- knowledge of public safety and security
- negotiation skills for keeping people safe
- patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
- sensitivity and understanding for dealing with traumatic situations
- the ability to understand people’s reactions
- excellent verbal communication skills
- leadership skills
- to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently
You also need to be over 18-years-old, pass a background check as well as a fitness test.