Metropolitan Police Careers

Selection process

To become a police officer, you must demonstrate that you have what it takes to undergo the challenges of training and, ultimately, policing. As such you will be judged according to a rigorous, nationally standardised recruitment and selection process.

If you have a disability e.g. a specific learning difficulty, reasonable adjustments will be considered for the selection process. You will be advised of the procedure at the relevant stage.

Step 1: Complete an application

The application pack contains your application form together with a number of other forms all of which should be completed and returned to us.

The application form includes sections for you to provide evidence of the core competencies we are looking for, the preparation you have undertaken before making an application, and why you want to become a police officer.

Step 2: 'Day 1' (assessment centre)

If your application passes an initial check, you will be invited to attend a formal, day-long assessment at our selection centre in West Brompton. The day comprises of:

• A competency-based structured interview with 4 questions lasting 20 minutes in total
• A numerical ability test lasting 23 minutes
• A verbal ability test lasting 30 minutes
• Two written exercises lasting 20 minutes each
• Four interactive exercises lasting 10 minutes each (5 minutes preparation, 5 minute practical)

Together, these activities will allow us to observe what you do given a certain situation and how you do it, making it possible to assess whether you have the skills and qualities required of a police officer.

The demands placed upon the MPS are increasing and the public, quite rightly, expects us to be more responsive to their needs. London is one of the most diverse cities in the world and this diversity adds extra dimensions to a complex and challenging policing environment.

The MPS recognises that its employees, or prospective employees, may possess a wealth of skills and experience, which, if used effectively may enable us to provide a more needs-based service for the diverse communities of London. By utilising these assets we will be better equipped to resolve serious incidents, solve major crime and satisfy the needs of our communities.

An example of this is a recent investigation in which a number of the victims were deaf. By involving a member of staff who knew how to use sign language, we were able to return to the scene of the crime and make a personal appeal for witnesses to come forward. As a result useful witnesses were located and the investigation was assisted.

Of course, you will have already supplied much of the information with your application form but we recognise that the form may not have captured everything about you. In order to gather further information regarding relevant skills and experience, you will be asked to complete a 'life skills' questionnaire. Information from the questionnaire will be used to assist with the allocation of a training school place and will be treated with the strictest confidence.

Step 3: 'Day 2' (medical & fitness)

If you pass Day 1 you will be invited to Day 2, also at Hendon, which will assess whether you can meet the physical challenges of policing. It comprises the Job Related Fitness Test (JRFT) and a medical assessment.

While you don't need to be an Olympic athlete to pass the JRFT, you do need a basic level of fitness. It consists of simple exercises designed to assess your:

• Endurance

The medical assessment is simple and checks things like your eyesight, hearing, blood pressure and body mass. Conducted by a registered nurse, it is in addition to the questionnaire you are required to complete during the recruitment process.

For full details on the medical requirements and the MPS fitness test please download the Fit for the Job document

Step 4: References and security checks

If you pass Day 2, the only remaining obstacles to appointment will be your references and security clearance, based on the forms you fill in when you first apply.

Once all relevant documents have been cleared and processed, you will be sent a letter formally offering employment with the MPS.