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Urban Myths v The Facts

There are plenty of 'myths' about joining the police service. Here we try and eliminate some of those myths. If you have any questions which haven't been covered, you can contact the Recruitment Team on 101 extension 2657. 

The police force only want young people to join.

Anyone over 18 years and six months can join and while we welcome school/university leavers, we are also keen to welcome older candidates and the valuable life experience they bring with them.

You have to work nights a lot of the time.

The normal working week is 40 hours and you will work a variety of shifts – earlies, lates and nights. The shift patterns vary, but you do get used to it.

If you don't have any qualifications, then you can't join the police.

You don’t need any formal qualifications to join the police, but you do need plenty of common sense, patience, enthusiasm, compassion, commitment and self-motivation.

You can only work full-time.

Everyone can apply to work part time over a full range of shifts including night duties upon completion of the initial training period (which is currently 6 months).

You have to be tall to join the police.

There are no longer any height restrictions in place.

You have to be really fit to join the police.

While you obviously need a level of fitness, you do not need to be an athlete. If you are unsure, contact the Recruitment Team on 101 extension 2657 and they will explain more about the fitness tests. If you come along to a local recruitment seminar you may even be able to try out the tests yourself.

The police do not allow turbans or any other religious clothing.

The police service respects individuals’ needs particularly religious or cultural needs. A number of our officers wear a turban whilst on duty. In addition we will try wherever possible to accommodate religious clothing.

The Police only want to employ white English people.

You must be a British citizen, EC/EEA national or a Commonwealth Citizen or a foreign national with no restrictions on your stay in the UK. We must also be able to verify your personal background for the minimum of 3 years preceding your application.

You can only join the police service if you want to be a police officer.

Leicestershire Constabulary employs approximately 1,100 Police Staff in a variety of positions including HR, Finance, Research to name just a few. If you are interested in a Police Staff (civilian) role, current vacancies are advertised on our website or you can call 101 extension 2519 to speak to a member of our Recruiting Team.

The Facts

Before you apply please remember that as a police officer you must…

  • Speak and write English to a good standard.
  • Interact with difficult people, from different backgrounds.
  • Be prepared to resolve challenging and confrontational situations.
  • Have a reasonable level of fitness.
  • Wear a uniform.
  • Work a 24-hour rotating shift pattern (which includes night shifts).
  • Obey orders.

This information is also available in a leaflet that can be downloaded from our Library section.