Police Officer

Join Hampshire & Isle of Wight Constabulary A New Mission After Military Service Your military career has equipped you with valuable skills, experience and qualities that are highly sought after in policing. If you're looking for a career that continues to provide purpose, challenge, teamwork and the opportunity to make a difference, Hampshire & Isle of Wight Constabulary could be your next step.

As a Police Officer, you'll continue serving the public, protecting communities, responding to incidents and supporting those in need. The transition from military service to policing is a natural progression for many Service Leavers, Reservists, veterans and Armed Forces personnel, with many of the skills developed in the Armed Forces directly transferable to the role. Whether you're preparing to leave the military, recently left service or looking ahead to your future career, we offer a supportive pathway into policing and recognise the unique value military personnel bring to our organisation.

Many service personnel tell us they are looking for:

• A career with purpose and public service
• A strong team environment and sense of belonging
• Opportunities for leadership and progression
• Variety, challenge and no two days being the same
• Ongoing training and personal development

Policing offers all of this and more. You'll continue to work in fast-paced environments, make critical decisions under pressure, support vulnerable people and play a vital role in keeping communities safe.

The Policing Plus Programme is a two-year training and development pathway that focuses on becoming a competent Police Officer without the need to complete a degree or diploma alongside your probation. As part of the programme, you will:

• Complete an initial 18-week training programme
• Join a local policing team and work alongside an experienced tutor officer
• Gain practical frontline experience from day one
• Develop the skills and knowledge required to achieve independent patrol status
• Complete your probation and become a substantive Police Constable
• Achieve a nationally recognised Level 5 Qualification in Professional Policing Practice

All training is fully funded by Hampshire & Isle of Wight Constabulary.

Military personnel often bring skills and experiences that align closely with policing, including:

• Leadership and responsibility
• Teamwork and communication
• Decision-making under pressure
• Problem solving and critical thinking
• Integrity and professionalism
• Resilience and adaptability
• Experience working with diverse communities
• Managing challenging and unpredictable situations

As a Police Officer, every day presents new challenges and opportunities. You could:

• Respond to Incidents Attend emergency calls and critical incidents where your ability to remain calm under pressure can make a real difference.
• Investigate Crime Gather evidence, interview witnesses and suspects, build investigations and help bring offenders to justice.
• Protect Vulnerable People Support victims, safeguard those at risk and work with partner agencies to improve outcomes for communities.
• Engage with Communities Build trust, solve local problems and work alongside communities to keep people safe.
• Tackle Emerging Threats Help combat cybercrime, fraud, organised crime and other evolving forms of criminality.

After successfully completing your probation, a wide range of career opportunities become available. You may choose to specialise as:

• Detective Constable
• Armed Response Officer
• Roads Policing Officer
• Public Protection Investigator
• Dog Handler
• Tactical Firearms Officer
• Counter Terrorism Officer
• Cyber Crime Investigator
• Marine Unit Officer
• Hostage and Crisis Negotiator

You can also progress into supervisory and leadership positions or explore specialist secondments and national opportunities. Many former military personnel thrive in specialist policing roles where their previous operational experience can be particularly valuable.

We understand that transitioning from military service into a new career can feel like a significant change. That's why we provide:

• Dedicated support throughout the recruitment process
• A Military Recruitment Pathway
• Initial and ongoing professional training
• Tutor officer support during your early career
• Continued development and progression opportunities
• Access to wellbeing and staff support networks

Our aim is to help you make a successful transition…