Still time to apply as PSNI recruitment drive nears deadline
- Love Ballymena
- 5 minutes ago
- 3 min read
Chief Constable Jon Boutcher
The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) has issued a final call to anyone considering a career in policing, as applications for Student Officers and Custody Detention Officers enter their final days.
The closing date for Student Officer applications is Wednesday 4 February 2026, while applications for Custody Detention Officers will close on Monday 9 February 2026.
Chief Constable Jon Boutcher has urged potential applicants not to miss the opportunity, describing policing as a career that offers purpose, progression and the chance to make a real difference to communities across Northern Ireland.
“There is still time to apply. We don’t want anyone to miss this fantastic opportunity,” he said.
“If you want to make a positive change and have ever felt called to support your community, now is the time to apply. We are looking for people with integrity, compassion, and a willingness to learn.”
A Career With Purpose and Progression
The PSNI says successful recruits will receive comprehensive training, ongoing professional development, and a starting salary of £35,000, with clear pathways for career progression.
Chief Constable Boutcher emphasised the organisation’s commitment to inclusivity and community representation.
“We are determined to be a police service that reflects the community we serve,” he said.
“There is no other job like it and we want people from all walks of life, from all communities, to join us.”
He also acknowledged that many potential applicants hesitate before taking the first step.
“We know many people think about applying and may hesitate, but this is your moment. To the families and friends of anyone thinking of applying, please get behind them and offer support on the first step of their journey,” he added.
“You don’t need any previous experience. This is a career that offers purpose, progression and the opportunity to make a difference.”
Making a Difference Across Northern Ireland
Policing, the Chief Constable said, is both demanding and deeply rewarding.
“Being an officer is a challenging, exciting and rewarding career. It is one that you can be enormously proud of. Proud because you can really make a positive difference,” he said.
“We see this everyday through the work of our officers and staff across Northern Ireland who are working tirelessly to protect people, and the communities they serve.”
How the Recruitment Process Works
The PSNI’s recruitment partner, Deloitte, manages the initial stages of the recruitment process. This includes:
An online application form
An online Initial Selection Test (IST)
An Assessment Centre
Applicants must meet eligibility criteria including age, nationality, education and computer literacy. Candidates can apply from the age of 17, although they must be 18 on appointment, and applications are open up to the age of 57.
Those who pass the online IST will progress to an Assessment Centre, where they will take part in exercises designed to assess the personal competencies and values required of a Constable.
Successful candidates will then move through pre-employment checks including vetting, physical competence assessment, health assessment, substance misuse testing and online learning, before being offered a place on the Student Officer Development Programme.
Full details of each stage are available on the PSNI recruitment website.
How to Apply
Anyone interested in applying can find full details and submit an application at:
The website also includes testimonials from serving officers, outlining their experiences and career journeys.
Further information is available at www.joinpsni.co.uk.