There are lots of different ways to work with us. Opportunities can include:

• Police officer roles
• Police staff roles
• Police Community Support Officer roles
• Special Constabulary
• Apprenticeships
• Volunteering opportunities

Explore: Jobs and volunteering at Avon and Somerset Police

Not necessarily. Many people join us from completely different sectors and backgrounds.

The experience, qualifications and skills you need will depend on the role you are applying for. Each vacancy will clearly explain the essential requirements.

Explore: Current jobs and volunteering opportunities

This depends on the role. Some opportunities have specific qualification requirements, while others place more emphasis on your skills and experience.

For police officer roles, the entry requirements also depend on the route you apply through.

Local guidance: Police officer routes at Avon and Somerset Police
National guidance: College of Policing - joining the police
Try: Join the Police Entry Route Explorer

Some roles require a driving licence and others do not. For police officer entry routes, check the current Avon and Somerset Police criteria for the stage by which you need to hold the required licence.

Check: Police officer routes and eligibility

This depends on the role and entry route. Some roles may have residency or relocation requirements, so always check the current vacancies or route information.

Check: Avon and Somerset Police jobs and volunteering

Tattoos or piercings do not automatically prevent you from applying. Requirements can vary by role and may take account of appearance, safety, uniform and the nature or content of tattoos.

Check your role: Jobs and volunteering

You should answer all recruitment and vetting questions fully and accurately. Having previous police contact does not automatically mean you cannot work in policing, but individual circumstances are considered against the relevant vetting requirements.

Read before applying: Avon and Somerset Police vetting guidance

Age requirements vary depending on the role. For police officer entry routes, you can apply from age 17, but you must be 18 before appointment.
Other roles may have different requirements, which will be explained in the vacancy information.

Find out more: College of Policing - joining as a new police constable

The recruitment process depends on the role. For police officer applications it can include eligibility checks, assessments, medical and fitness checks, vetting and other pre-employment checks before a final offer.

See the steps: Police officer recruitment process
National overview: Join the Police - get ready to apply

Timescales vary depending on the role, the recruitment campaign and the checks required. Some stages, including vetting and medical checks, can take longer than others.

See the process: Police officer recruitment process

Most roles within policing require vetting. The level of vetting will depend on the role you are applying for.
It is important to be open and accurate throughout the recruitment process.

Read: Avon and Somerset Police vetting guidance

Some roles require a medical assessment as part of the recruitment process, particularly operational roles.

See: Police officer recruitment process
National overview: Join the Police - medical and fitness stages

Some operational roles, including police officer and Special Constable roles, require you to meet the relevant fitness standard. Not all roles require a fitness test.

See: Police officer recruitment process
National overview: Join the Police - medical and fitness stages

Yes. We want our recruitment process to be accessible and inclusive. If you need reasonable adjustments, let us know so we can discuss the support you may need.

Find out more: Reasonable adjustments at Avon and Somerset Police

Yes. You can request reasonable adjustments during your recruitment journey. Adjustments are considered according to your individual needs and the requirements of the role.

Find out more: Reasonable adjustments at Avon and Somerset Police

This can depend on the roles and recruitment campaigns involved. If you are considering more than one application and are unsure, contact the Talent Acquisition team before applying.

Contact: Talent Acquisition

Provide complete and accurate information when asked. The vetting guidance explains the information and history you may need to declare.

Read: Avon and Somerset Police vetting guidance

Flexible, part-time or other working arrangements may be available depending on the role and operational requirements.

Find out more: Why work for Avon and Somerset Police

This depends on the role. Many operational roles involve shifts, which can include evenings, nights, weekends and bank holidays. Some police staff roles have different working patterns.

Explore: Jobs and volunteering

Avon and Somerset Police serves communities across Bristol, Bath and North East Somerset, North Somerset, South Gloucestershire and Somerset. Your location will depend on the role, team and operational requirements.

Find out more: Why work for Avon and Somerset Police

You may be able to express a preference, but a particular location cannot always be guaranteed. Placements depend on vacancies and operational need.

Explore: Current opportunities

Support varies by role and can include induction and training, support from managers and colleagues, learning and development, staff support networks, wellbeing support and reasonable adjustments.

Explore: Why work for Avon and Somerset Police
Accessibility: Reasonable adjustments

Yes. Depending on your role, you may be able to develop specialist skills, move between teams, apply for promotion or explore other opportunities across policing.

Find out more: Why work for Avon and Somerset Police
National career information: College of Policing - joining the police

Yes. You can explore the role, watch our videos and use national tools to help you decide whether policing and a particular entry route could be right for you.

Watch: Avon and Somerset Police on YouTube
Quiz: Is policing right for me?
Tool: Entry Route Explorer
Check: Get ready to apply / eligibility checker
Local guidance: Is a career in policing right for me?

You can view current police officer, police staff and volunteering opportunities on the Avon and Somerset Police careers pages.

View: Current jobs and volunteering opportunities

If you cannot find the answer you need, contact the Talent Acquisition team for recruitment support and guidance.

Contact: Talent Acquisition