Metropolitan Police Careers

Nationality & residency criteria

Contrary to popular belief, you don’t have to be British to join the MPS. In fact you can be of any nationality to apply, as long as you have the legal right to remain indefinitely and without restriction in the UK.

You must have been resident in the UK for at least the three years immediately prior to applying.

If a candidate has not resided in the United Kingdom for the 3 years prior to submitting an application, the application cannot be accepted. The only exceptions are for British Military personnel serving abroad, ie Army, Navy and Royal Air Force, Foreign & Commonwealth office and police officer transfers providing they meet the rejoiners criteria.

Applicants must satisfy BOTH the nationality and residency criteria to be eligible for appointment.

Age criteria

In keeping with the Employment Equality (Age) Regulations 2006, we encourage applications from people between the following ages:

Police community support officers

18–62½ years old

Special constables

18–57 years old

New constables and experienced officers

18–57 years old

Police staff

16–63½ years old (18–63½ for roles involving shift work)

Volunteers

18+

Your character

All employees of the MPS, whether they wear a uniform or not, are in a position of responsibility and trust. As such they should be law-abiding citizens with proven integrity. If you have previously been convicted of a criminal offence or had involvement with the police your suitability will be subject to careful consideration.

We also have a policy of prohibiting any of our officers, staff and volunteers from becoming members of the BNP or similar organisations whose aims or pronouncements may contradict the duty to promote race equality.

Tattoos

As a candidate for employment with the Metropolitan Police Service you should present a professional image, and be sensitive to the impression you will make on members of the public. Anyone who has a tattoo which could be construed as offensive to any religion or belief, or is in any way discriminatory, violent or intimidating, will not be accepted to join the MPS. This is irrespective of wherever the tattoo appears on your body. Any tattoos on the face or visible above the collar are not acceptable if you wish to apply for a uniform role.

As part of the application process you will be required to supply a photograph/s of any tattoo/s you have and a decision will be made as to whether the tattoo/s complies with our dress code. If the tattoo/s is considered unacceptable then your application will be rejected.

The Disability Discrimination Act applies to all appointments in the Metropolitan Police Service and we welcome applications from individuals with disabilities. Adjustments will be made to selection processes and / or the working environment provided it is reasonable in all circumstances to do so.

For more specific medical information / conditions please speak directly to the Recruitment Medical Centre on 020 8358 0460.