PSNI launches recruitment drive urging people from all communities to ‘make a difference’

The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) has launched a new recruitment campaign for student officers and Custody Detention Officers, calling on people from all backgrounds and communities to step forward and help build a safer, more connected Northern Ireland.

The campaign was officially launched on Wednesday 14 January 2026 and will run over the next three weeks.

Members of the public will see a wide-ranging advertising push across broadcast and print media, as well as social and digital platforms, aimed at attracting new student officer recruits for the PSNI’s 22-week training programme.

Chief Constable Jon Boutcher said the organisation wants to be recognised as an “employer of choice” and to ensure the police service is “representative of the community we serve”.

“Policing is more than a job, it is a chance to work with and for communities across Northern Ireland and make a meaningful difference every single day.

“We’re looking for individuals who care about their communities, who want to work with them to help others, and who are ready to step into roles that truly matter,” he said.

Training, pay and long-term career prospects

Mr Boutcher said successful applicants can expect comprehensive training, ongoing professional development and a competitive starting salary.

“New recruits will receive comprehensive training, and ongoing professional development, with a starting salary of £35k.

“There is no other job like it and we want people from all walks of life, from all communities, to join us.”

Applications for student officer roles close on Wednesday 4 February 2026, while the deadline for Custody Detention Officer applications is Monday 9 February 2026.

“These are fantastic opportunities for anyone who is interested in joining the Police Service and, over the next few weeks, you will see and hear our advertisements,” Mr Boutcher added.

“We’ll be undertaking a range of outreach and engagement activities in the coming weeks to encourage people from all communities, particularly those currently under-represented within the Service, to apply for a career in policing.”

Focus on diversity and community connection

The PSNI says the recruitment drive reflects its commitment to building a police service that mirrors the diversity of Northern Ireland, encouraging applicants from all identities, experiences and walks of life.

Mr Boutcher said policing offers a sense of purpose that goes beyond traditional employment.

“If you have integrity, compassion, and a willingness to learn, and if you want to make positive change for your community and across Northern Ireland, apply to join the Police Service, which is, having been a police officer for over 40 years, the best police service in the world.

“Our officers listen, support, protect, and they build relationships with communities that can change lives. If you want a career with purpose, where every day is different and every action counts, we encourage you to apply.”

For many, the campaign represents not just a job opportunity, but a chance to contribute to community safety, trust-building and positive social change at a pivotal time for policing in Northern Ireland.

Minister and Policing Board back campaign

Justice Minister Naomi Long welcomed the launch of the Student Officer recruitment campaign, describing PSNI workforce recovery as a key priority.

“The PSNI workforce recovery has been one of my key priorities and I welcome the PSNI’s recruitment campaign. Today’s launch, and the funding that has been delivered on a commitment to increase police officer numbers, provides a rewarding opportunity for a career in policing.

“If you want to make a positive difference in your community, policing could be for you and I would encourage you to apply.”

Northern Ireland Policing Board Chair Mukesh Sharma also voiced his support.

“Policing offers an attractive and rewarding career choice with opportunities for ongoing professional qualifications, training and development, as well as promotion and progression. It is an exciting career and one where no two days will ever be the same. It is a career that has the ability to make a really positive difference to the safety of our community.

“As a Board we want policing to be fully reflective and representative of the diversity of the community it serves. We encourage and support people from all walks of life and backgrounds to apply for this latest campaign, and make policing their career of choice.”

How the recruitment process works

The early stages of the recruitment process are managed by the PSNI’s recruitment partner, Deloitte, and include:

• Online application form

• Online Initial Selection Test (IST)

• Assessment Centre

Eligibility criteria include:

• Age: Applicants can apply from 17 up to 57 years old (must be 18 on appointment)

• Nationality: Indefinite leave to remain in the UK

• Education: Minimum of five GCSEs (or equivalent) at A*–C grade, including English Language

• Computer literacy: Demonstrable IT skills relevant to the role

Applicants who successfully pass these stages will proceed to pre-employment checks, including vetting, a Physical Competence Assessment (PCA), health assessment, substance misuse testing and online learning, before being offered a place on the Student Officer Development Programme.

How to apply

Further information about the recruitment process, role requirements and officer testimonials is available at:

• https://www.joinpsni.co.uk/police-officer

• www.joinpsni.co.uk