Conditions of entry
More information is available on the
National Police Recruitment website: www.policecouldyou.co.uk
Age
You have to be at least 18 to apply to Gloucestershire Constabulary.
Character
Only people of good character will be accepted as police officers.
Education
You should have a good education, preferably educated to GCSE/GCE, 'O' level, but formal qualifications are not essential. Regardless of qualifications, all applicants will need to pass the standard Police Initial Recruitment Test.
Eyesight
| The current eyesight standards are: | Guide to Optician's Chart |
| Unaided vision (without spectacles or lenses) 6/36 or better in either eye (2nd line down on optician's chart) is required. Binocular vision (vision with both eyes) worse than 6/6 (7th line on optician's chart) requires correction. Aided vision (wearing lenses or spectacles) 6/12 or better in either eye (5th line down on optician's chart) and 6/6 or better using both eyes (binocular vision) is required. Near vision 6/9 with both eyes together (aided). | A 6/60 |
| BC 6/36 | |
| DEFG 6/24 | |
| HIJKLM 6/18 | |
| NOPQRSTU 6/12 | |
| VWXYZABCD 6/9 | |
| EFGHIJKLMNO 6/6 | |
| PQRSTUVWXYZ 6/5 |
Applications from those who have undergone Photorefractive Keratectomy (PRK), LASIK or LASEK surgery will be accepted provided that six weeks have elapsed since surgery, there are no residual side effects and the other eyesight standards are met.
Health
The Disability Discrimination Act applies to the police service and the new medical standards can be found in the relevant Home Office Circular. (Click here to find the relevant page on www.knowledgenetwork.gov.uk). All applicants must undertake and pass a medical and fitness test that really tells us what shape you are in.
The two test elements are as follows:
- Endurance fitness (multi-stage shuttle run); 4 shuttles at level 5 (5/4)
- Dynamic strength (Upper-body strength) on a dyno machine - push strength of 34 kg; pull strength of 35 kg
Height
There are no height restriction to join the Constabulary.
Nationality
You must be either a British Citizen, a Citizen of the EU or other states in the EEA, or a Commonwealth Citizen or Foreign National with the indefinite leave to remain in the UK. You must have been resident in the UK for at least the last 3 years, without breaks
Special Conditions
The offer of the 'Probationary Constable' position is subject to certain checks being made and, on appointment, the post holder will be required to sign the Official Secrets Act.
In line with the Vetting Policy, a check of identity will be carried out at interview. You must provide a full 10 year current British (EEA) Passport. If you do not hold a Passport then you must provide the following: Birth Certificate (issued within 6 weeks of birth) accompanied by a P45, P60 or National Insurance Numbercard. The documents produced, as proof will be recorded. NOTE: Photocopies are not acceptable.'
The Constabulary operates a rigorous vetting policy and applicants must be aware that personal vetting will be applied as part of the recruitment process and ongoing employment with the Constabulary.
Probationary period
Successful candidates will have their appointments as constables confirmed after completing a two year probationary period.
During the probationary period the Chief Constable can terminate the services of a candidate if he thinks a probationer is not fitted, mentally or physically, to carry out their duties, or if he thinks a probationer is not likely to become an efficient constable.