In order to be eligible to apply to become a police officer, you must consider the following:
Age
The minimum age to apply is 18, and there is no upper age limit, though it should be borne in mind that the normal retirement age for police officers from the rank of constable up to, and including, Chief Inspectors is 60. You should also be aware that all new recruits, irrespective of their age, are required to undertake a two-year probationary period.
Driving
You must be in possession of a full driving licence before you can be appointed as a police constable with Lincolnshire Police. You can apply with a provisional licence but your application will not be progressed to an assessment centre until you have passed your test. If you have a provisional licence when you apply you will need to pass your driving test within 12 months or we will close down your application.
Qualifications
There are no formal educational requirements, but candidates will have to pass written and numerical tests at the assessment centre stage of the recruitment process.
Medical
Applicants are required to satisfy the medical standard entry requirements and must attend a medical assessment with our Force Physician.
More detailed information on the medical standards is available at www.policecouldyou.co.uk
Height & Weight
There are no height limitations. However, you must have a reasonable height/weight ratio, which is determined by the Force Physician by calculating your body mass index.
Eyesight
You must have good eyesight to become a police officer. Uncorrected visual activity must be 6/36 or better, binocularly. All applicants will have their eyesight examined during the medical assessment stage.
More detailed information on the eyesight standards is available at www.policecouldyou.co.uk.
Nationality
Candidates must be a British Citizen, member of the EC or other states in the European Economic Area.
Commonwealth citizens and foreign nationals will also be eligible but only if resident in the UK free of restrictions and with indefinite leave to remain in the UK.
Residency
All applicants must have resided in the UK for the past 3 years from the date of their application.
Previous Convictions, Cautions and Fixed Penalties
You may still be eligible to join the police service if you have convictions, cautions, reprimands, warnings or fixed penalty notices. Each case is considered on an individual basis and will depend on the nature and circumstances of the offence. However, convictions and cautions for violence, dishonesty, drugs and serious driving offences will usually lead to rejection unless there are exceptionally compelling circumstances.
Police Checks and Security Vetting will be carried out on you and your immediate family. The security service will also carry out checks to verify your identity and background.
Tattoos and Piercing
Tattoos and piercing are not necessarily a bar to appointment but it depends on their size, nature, location and on the extent. We require you to send a photograph of any tattoos and piercing with your application form.
Financial Status
You will have your financial status checked. You must not have any wilfully undischarged debts (eg County Court Judgements / Bankruptcy). This does not include mortgages, hire purchase, student loans or other loans that are being paid off normally.
Your application will be rejected if you have an active County Court Judgement or Voluntary Agreement. If you have been declared bankrupt you will not be eligible to apply until three years from the date of the Certificate of Satisfaction. If you have discharged bankruptcy debts then you will need to provide a Certificate of Satisfaction with your application.
BNP
If you are a member of the British National Party your application will be rejected. If you have previously been a member of the BNP you may not be eligible for appointment, however, each application will be assessed individually.
Previous Applications
You can only apply to become a police officer with one force at any one time. If you have previously applied to join the police service and been unsuccessful you must wait a minimum of 6 months from the date of the letter of rejection before you can apply again.
Questions?
If you have any questions relating to eligibility please contact the Recruitment Team
