Police Officer FAQs
Am I eligible to apply for the role of Police Officer?
Our eligibility criteria is detailed in full in Am I eligible? However if you have any questions which we have not answered, please feel free to contact us directly
What is the recruitment process?
- An on-line application process which entails several on-line tests and an application form. All tests must be successfully completed before you can complete the application form.
- Assessment Centre
- Force Interview
- Fitness, Biometric and Drug testing
- Medical and Vetting
- Employer References
- Unconditional offer of Appointment
For more information, please see The recruitment process section.
What do the application on-line tests consist of?
There are 2 tests that every applicant must complete (regardless of qualifications), these are a Situational Judgement test and a Behavioural Style Questionnaire. Both of these must be passed in order to continue in the application process.
If you do not have a Level 3 qualification or above you must also successfully pass a psychometric test. This will test your academic ability to Level 3.
You can practice these tests prior to applying here.
If you successfully complete the above tests, however fail in a part of the recruitment process, you will not be required to retake these tests again, should you wish to re-apply.
Can I decide to withdraw from the recruitment process at any point?
The short answer is yes you can. Policing is an exciting but equally challenging role, which is not for everyone. However, we do ask that all prospective police officers fully consider these challenges and their suitability before submitting their application.
If I fail at any point during the recruitment process, can I re-sit?
If you fail at any point in the process, the Force will notify you. While it is not possible to complete a re-sit, it will be possible to re-apply within six months following notification.
If I have a disability, can i still apply?
Dyfed-Powys Police welcomes applications from people with disabilities.
If you consider yourself to have a disability, please inform us of the type of adjustments you might need to assist you in participating in the recruitment and selection process. Dyfed-Powys Police will try to make the reasonable adjustments required where practicable.
Can I join if I have a criminal record?
You may still be eligible to join the police service if you have minor convictions/cautions, but there are certain offences and conditions that will make you ineligible
Can I join if I have tattoos?
Tattoos are not a bar to appointment. However, some tattoos could potentially offend members of the public or colleagues, or could bring discredit to the Police Service. For full information please refer to the ‘Am I eligible’ Section.
Can I become a Police Officer if I wear glasses or contact lenses?
If you successfully reach the medical examination stage of recruitment, you will have to undergo an eye test. New recruits must have at least 6/12 vision in their right or left eye, or at least 6/6 vision in both eyes. Those who wear glasses, spectacles or contact lenses must have at least 6/36 vision in both eyes without wearing their glasses, spectacles or contact lenses.
Will my financial status affect my application?
Applicants will have their financial status checked. These checks are carried out because police officers/staff have access to privileged information, which may make them vulnerable to corruption.
Applicants with outstanding County Court judgements or who have been registered bankrupt with outstanding debts will be rejected.
I want to apply but I don’t have the required Level 3 Qualification or have any qualifications?
You can still apply for the PCDA (3 year apprenticeship) however you will be required to carry out an online test that measures your academic capability. You can practice these tests prior to applying here.
Do I need a CKP to apply?
You do not need a CKP to apply, however a CKP is a Level 3 qualification and therefore if you already have a CKP this can be used as the Level 3 qualification required to apply.
If I am a serving PCSO or Special Constable, but I don’t have a Level 3 qualification, can I still apply?
Yes you can , however the eligibility requirements for the Apprenticeship route will still apply. You can practice these tests prior to applying here.
What does the Apprenticeship probation period look like?
As a student enrolled on the Police Constable Degree Apprenticeships (PCDA) you will have a 3 year probationary period. Following appointment, you will embark on a 6-month initial learning programme at Dyfed-Powys Police Learning and Development services Carmarthen. You will also undertake a 12 week tutoring period within the community, where you will be expected to achieve independent patrol status.
For the remainder of the probationary period you will carry out operational duties in the workplace gathering evidence of occupational competency. You will also be required to carry out academic elements assigned to you by a partner university.
Successful completion of both practical and academic elements will result in you being confirmed in rank.
Please note that during the first 6 months of the training programme, you will not be able to book any annual leave.
What will the Degree Holder probation period look like?
As a Degree Holder you will have a 2 year probationary period. Following appointment, you will embark on a 6-month initial learning programme at Dyfed Powys Police Learning and Development services Carmarthen. You will complete a 12 week tutoring period within the community, where you will be expected to achieve independent patrol status.
The remainder of the probationary period you will carry out operational duties in the workplace gathering evidence of occupational competency. You will also be required to carry out academic elements assigned to you by a partner university. Successful completion of both practical and academic elements will result in you being confirmed in rank.
Please note that during the first 6 months of the training programme, you will not be able to book any annual leave.
Why is there a difference in probationary periods?
This is due to the variance in the academic requirements.
Will I be given time to complete the academic elements of the qualification?
Yes you will. The Force and University have calculated the amount of time required for you to complete all elements of the qualification and this will be rostered into your shift pattern.
Where will I study?
All face to face delivery will take place on Police premises within the Dyfed Powys Police area. Self-study and on-line learning will be carried out remotely.
Will I have to pay for any course materials I need to buy? Books etc.
Students will be provided with learning materials by both Dyfed Powys Police and the partner University at no cost.
If I am successful in the recruitment process, but I fail to achieve the necessary qualification will I have to pay back any costs?
You will receive full support throughout your probationary period, however should you fail to meet the required standard, you will not be expected to pay back any of the costs incurred.
Can I choose what station to work from?
You will be provided with a station posting on your unconditional offer letter. If you have a preference, you may raise this with the recruitment team but this is dependent on where vacancies arise.
Who can I contact if I have a specific question?
Please do not hesitate to contact the recruitment team via email at [email protected] if you have any questions.