Why is there a criteria?
Applicants from all backgrounds and ethnic groups are encouraged to apply. Applicants are not limited to any particular age group - in fact, we welcome those who are looking for a career change.
As you'd expect, to make sure we give the best possible service, we're looking for the best possible police officers. That's why you'll need to meet the below set criteria before you can apply.
Application eligibility information
Vetting Requirements
It is essential we verify your identify, confirm that you live at the address you have stated and have the right to work in the United Kingdom.
You must be a British citizen, an EC/EEA national, a Commonwealth citizen or a foreign national with no restrictions on your stay in the United Kingdom (UK).
You will be required to provide proof at any assessment centre/interview that you have no restrictions on your stay in the UK and must have been a resident in the UK for three years for the role which requires recruitment vetting and five years for a role which requires management vetting prior to submitting the application form (from the time of submitting the application).
Please note foreign nationality is not an automatic bar to recruitment or to granting security vetting clearance. However, if individuals cannot be vetted in line with National Vetting Policy, their application will not be progressed.
You must be a British citizen, an EC/EEA national, a Commonwealth citizen or a foreign national with no restrictions on your stay in the United Kingdom (UK).
You will be required to provide proof at any assessment centre/interview that you have no restrictions on your stay in the UK and must have been a resident in the UK for three years for the role which requires recruitment vetting and five years for a role which requires management vetting prior to submitting the application form (from the time of submitting the application).
Please note foreign nationality is not an automatic bar to recruitment or to granting security vetting clearance. However, if individuals cannot be vetted in line with National Vetting Policy, their application will not be progressed.
Identification
In order for the Force to confirm your identity, you will need to supply your current passport plus a second document, which shows your address* (dated within last three months). If you cannot supply a passport, we will need two different documents from the following list (warrant cards will not be accepted).
The documents we may accept from a candidate to establish their identity will include:
If the two documents you bring with you do not show your current address, you must provide a third document that does, e.g. bank or credit card statement)
*if you are a student, you will need to provide proof of your permanent and term time residence.
The documents we may accept from a candidate to establish their identity will include:
- Current and valid passport
- British Driving Licence (valid and up to date)
- Birth Certificate (full certificate, issued within 6 weeks of birth)
- Utility Bill (dated within last three months and showing current address)
If the two documents you bring with you do not show your current address, you must provide a third document that does, e.g. bank or credit card statement)
*if you are a student, you will need to provide proof of your permanent and term time residence.
Right to work
A right to work check means that the Force will check a document which is acceptable for showing permission to work. This must be done before employing a person to ensure that they are legally allowed to do the work. If the person has time-limited permission to work in the UK, a follow up check must be undertaken.
Devon & Cornwall Police have a duty to prevent illegal working by carrying out in-house prescribed document checks on all potential employees and encouraging management to do the same. The Force will prevent illegal working and ensure only the employment of people who have permission to work lawfully in the UK.
For a full list of documents deemed acceptable in determining your right to work in the UK, please visit the gov.uk website.
Devon & Cornwall Police will obtain the original copies; check the validity of the documents presented and make a copy for retention, recording the date the check was made.
Devon & Cornwall Police have a duty to prevent illegal working by carrying out in-house prescribed document checks on all potential employees and encouraging management to do the same. The Force will prevent illegal working and ensure only the employment of people who have permission to work lawfully in the UK.
For a full list of documents deemed acceptable in determining your right to work in the UK, please visit the gov.uk website.
Devon & Cornwall Police will obtain the original copies; check the validity of the documents presented and make a copy for retention, recording the date the check was made.
Political Restrictions
The public expects the highest standards of integrity and behaviour from the Police Service; therefore, it is vital that members of Devon & Cornwall Police secure and maintain the confidence of all communities in line with the Standards of Professional Behaviour.
There are memberships of certain organisations which are considered inappropriate for all members of Devon & Cornwall Police, as they are incompatible with the Force responsibility to promote equality and diversity. In line with Home Office Circular 12/2005, the following memberships are forbidden for all members of the Force:
There are memberships of certain organisations which are considered inappropriate for all members of Devon & Cornwall Police, as they are incompatible with the Force responsibility to promote equality and diversity. In line with Home Office Circular 12/2005, the following memberships are forbidden for all members of the Force:
- The British National Party (BNP)
- Combat 18
- The National Front
What is a Political Restricted Post?
A politically restricted post prevents an individual from having any active political role either in or outside the workplace and will automatically be disqualified from standing for or holding elected office.
They are also restricted from canvassing on behalf of a political party or a person who is or seeks to be a candidate, and speaking to the public at large or publishing any written or artistic work that could give the impression that they are advocating support for a political party.
They are also restricted from canvassing on behalf of a political party or a person who is or seeks to be a candidate, and speaking to the public at large or publishing any written or artistic work that could give the impression that they are advocating support for a political party.
Rehabilitation of offenders
The Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exemptions) Order 1975 does not apply to any police officer posts, but it does apply to all police staff posts, including PCSOs, and non-police personnel, in respect of protected cautions and protected convictions only. These do not need to be disclosed by applicants for police staff and non-police personnel roles, if disclosed these will not be considered as part of the vetting process.