Police Officer - Stevenage, Colchester, Southend, Brighton and Guildford

Join British Transport Police as a Police Officer through our Police Constable Entry Programme. We are recruiting across Stevenage, Colchester, Southend, Brighton, and Guildford.

A valid full UK driving licence is essential for all locations.

As a Police Officer, you will play a vital role in keeping millions of passengers, railway staff, and the public safe daily. You will work across one of the world's busiest transport networks, facing unique challenges, developing valuable skills, and making a real difference.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Supporting vulnerable individuals in crisis
• Responding to emergencies
• Investigating crime
• Safeguarding children
• Disrupting criminal activity
• Reassuring people during difficult times

You will be supported by experienced colleagues, supervisors, and mentors throughout your training and career.

What You'll Get in Return

• Starting salary: £33,609, rising year-on-year to £52,014 after five years (plus additional paid allowances).
• Allowances: South East Allowances of £3105, £2000, or £1000 depending on location, from the first year of training.
• Travel: Oyster card for personal and professional use.
• Annual Leave: 25 days, increasing with service.
• Pension: A highly competitive Career Average Revalued Earnings (CARE) pension scheme.
• Incentives: Voucher and incentive schemes, including cycle-to-work and retail discounts.
• Development: Continued investment in learning, supported by dedicated in-house talent and development teams.
• Career Progression: Clear promotion and career development opportunities across a range of policing specialisms.
• Wellbeing: Specialist support from Occupational Health and wellbeing services, free eyesight tests, and eligibility for the Blue Light Card.
• Leave: Strong support for work-life balance, including 26 weeks of fully paid maternity leave, alongside paternity leave, carers' leave, adoption leave, and special leave provisions.
• Membership: Police Federation membership from day one.

What We're Looking For

Previous policing experience is not required. We welcome applications from all backgrounds and experiences.

Key qualities include:

• Strong communication skills
• Sound judgement and problem-solving ability
• Empathy and emotional resilience
• The ability to build trust and remain calm under pressure

Entry Requirements:

• Level 2 Qualifications: Level 2 qualifications in English Language and Maths (GCSE Grade C/4 or above, or accepted equivalent), OR willingness to undertake BTP's Level 2 assessment.
• Level 3 or Work Experience: A Level 3 qualification or above (e.g., two A-levels at grade E or above, BTEC Level 3, T Levels, IB), OR relevant work experience demonstrating equivalent knowledge and capability (24 months service in areas like Armed Forces, Emergency Services, Revenue Protection, Railway Enforcement, or Rail Incident Response/Service Delivery Management).

You will not be eligible to apply if:

• You cannot demonstrate either a Level 3 qualification OR relevant work experience.
• You have been unsuccessful in a previous application, testing, or interview for a similar role and have not completed the reapplication period.
• You have been declined/refused vetting in the last two years by BTP or other specified agencies.
• You have ever received a custodial sentence, including suspended sentences.
• You have been dismissed from another police force or are subject to a live misconduct investigation.
• You are bankrupt, have a County Court Judgment, or an unmanaged Individual Voluntary Arrangement.
• You have offensive tattoos (face and neck tattoos are considered case-by-case).
• You do not have permanent right to live and work in the UK.
• You have not resided continuously in the UK for the past three years.

Application Process

Applications are completed online and include Situational Judgement Tests (SJTs).

Attending a question-and-answer session is encouraged but not required.

This campaign is for new recruits only.

Successful applicants will join a conditional offer pool for up to 12 months from the date of their conditional offer.

Application Deadline

Midnight on Monday 16th November 2026.

Please note that this campaign may close early if a high volume of applications is received.

For support, contact the Recruitment Team - recruitmentteam@btp.police.uk.