The eligibility criteria set by different police forces in the country are slightly variable. Being a citizen of UK, EU country or commonwealth citizen is a requirement. Otherwise, you will need to have permission to stay in UK indefinitely and must have been staying in the UK continuously for the past three years. You must be at least 18 years old and must satisfy security and background checks. You must have higher than normal levels of physical fitness. Good eyesight (with or without glasses or contact lens) with colour vision is essential.

Before you are accepted to police force, you will be tested through variety of tests, which examine your numerical skills, language skills, comprehension skills, decision making skills, etc. You will also need to have excellent physical fitness and must pass physical health tests. During your probation period, you can get training on variety of skills that you will need in your police career. You will be training towards NVW Level 3 and then Level 4 in Policing. Variety of skills including conducting investigations, leading with public, interviewing witnesses, police force management, etc are learned during this period.