Police officer recruitment process

Our recruitment process is designed to be transparent, fair and supportive, ensuring you have all the information you need to succeed.

Avon and Somerset Police are committed to supporting you throughout your recruitment journey. We have a route for you – whether you are a graduate, experienced professional, or just starting out.

This section outlines each key step, from submitting your application and preparing for the assessment centre, to undergoing background checks and beginning your training.

1. Step 1 : Application and eligibility Hide Show

   We encourage you to review the full eligibility criteria carefully before applying. Incomplete or ineligible applications may not progress to the next stage.

   Your journey begins by submitting your application through our official recruitment portal. Follow your chosen pathway page for details of current vacancies.

2. Step 2 : Attend familiarisation events Hide Show

   After submitting your application, we also require you to attend a familiarisation event. These provide valuable insights into what it is like to be a police officer with Avon and Somerset Police.

   At these events, you will:

   • meet current officers and staff
   • learn about the daily responsibilities and challenges of policing
   • get tips on preparing for the recruitment process
   • have the chance to ask questions in an informal setting
   • have the option to join your cohorts team’s support channel

   Familiarisation events are designed to help you make an informed decision and feel confident as you progress through recruitment. Keep an eye on our events calendar for upcoming sessions.

3. Step 3 : Assessment centre Hide Show

   The online assessment is a national process hosted by the College of Policing. This is a vital stage in your recruitment journey, where your skills and suitability are evaluated.

   You can expect a variety of exercises such as:

   • written tests
   • role plays
   • interviews
   • group tasks designed to assess your communication, problem-solving, teamwork, and decision-making under pressure

   Successfully passing the assessment centre is essential to moving forward in the recruitment journey.

   To help you prepare, watch the following video from the College of Policing, explaining what to expect at the assessment centre:

    

4. Step 4 : Pre-selection health medical and in-person force interview Hide Show

   As part of the recruitment process, you will be invited to attend a pre-selection health medical and an in-person interview. These stages ensure you meet the health, fitness, and professional standards required to serve with Avon and Somerset Police.

   The pre-selection health medical includes:

   • Fitness test
     The fitness test will consist of a warm up to level 3 on a 15 metre shuttle run (bleep test) followed by a series of lower body stretches. Also included is an endurance test – a 15 metre shuttle run (bleep test) up to level 5.4, which is less than four minutes worth of running and is the minimum level required. This equates to a total running distance of 525 metres
   • Biometrics
     Physical health assessments including fingerprints, DNA, measurements and checks
   • In-person interview
     This provides a face-to-face opportunity to discuss your motivations, skills, and suitability for the role

   Fitness testing and biometrics may occur before the assessment centre is completed.

   Watch our team in action, conducting fitness testing:

   You will have a maximum of three attempts to pass the fitness test, with a period of approximately six weeks between each attempt.

   If you are not successful at the third and final attempt you will have to wait a period of six months before re-applying.

5. Step 5 : Background checks and vetting Hide Show

   Once you have successfully completed the assessment centre, we carry out thorough background checks and vetting to ensure your suitability for the role.

   This includes:

   • criminal record checks
   • financial history reviews
   • employment and education verification
   • reference checks

   The vetting process helps maintain the integrity and trustworthiness essential to policing. It may take several weeks, and we will keep you updated throughout.

6. Step 6 : Offer and onboarding Hide Show

   After passing all checks and vetting, you will receive a formal offer to join Avon and Somerset Police. Once you accept, the onboarding process begins. This involves completing paperwork, attending welcome sessions and receiving guidance on your training programme and start date.

   We will support you throughout onboarding to ensure a smooth transition into training and your new career.

7. Step 7 : Training and starting your career Hide Show

   You will begin a tailored training programme based on your chosen entry route, combining academic learning with practical skills development. Training includes classroom study, hands-on experience, mentoring, and leadership development.

   Upon completion, you will officially join Avon and Somerset Police as a police officer, ready to make a positive impact.

Support during the recruitment process

Avon and Somerset Police are committed to equality, diversity and inclusion. If you need adjustments or extra help at any point during your recruitment journey, contact our Outreach team.

Eligibility and suitability

Before applying to become an officer, find out whether policing is right for you with details of Avon and Somerset Police’s full eligibility criteria and the types of support and benefits you could receive.

Read our guidance on what makes a good police officer, which includes an officer’s day-to-day tasks and what Avon and Somerset Police expect from officers.

Ready to begin your journey?

Discover which route fits your background and ambitions.