Police Officer

Job Introduction

British Transport Police is now recruiting Police Officers.

Are you looking for a career where you can truly make a difference? Whether it’s helping people in moments of need, challenging yourself every day, or being part of a caring and supportive team, British Transport Police could be the place for you.

We’re currently recruiting Police Officers within C Division. Locations included in this campaign are Yeovil, Bristol, Exeter, Reading, Oxford, Worcester, Truro and Plymouth. If your preferred location isn’t listed, it means we’re not currently recruiting there. We encourage you to apply only if you’re genuinely open to working in one of the specified locations.

As a Police Officer with the British Transport Police, you’ll play a vital role in protecting millions of passengers, staff and the public. We offer a competitive starting salary for Police Constables across England, Scotland and Wales, alongside an excellent benefits package, professional development opportunities and geographical flexibility.

This role includes a wide variety of duties – from tackling serious and organized crime to addressing graffiti, theft and public reassurance. Your responsibilities will include visible patrolling, responding to emergencies, conducting criminal investigations, gathering intelligence and building trust with the communities we serve.

• Starting salary: £32,472 rising year-on-year to £50,256 after five years.
• Oyster card for personal and professional use.
• 25 days holiday, increasing with service.
• Highly competitive Career Average Revalued Earnings (CARE) pension scheme.
• Voucher and incentive schemes, such as cycle‑to‑work and a wide range of high street and online discounts.
• Continued investment in learning, supported by our in‑house talent & development teams.
• Promotion and development opportunities into different police specialisms.
• Specialist support from our Occupational Health and wellbeing team.
• Free eyesight tests.
• Eligibility for Blue Light Card.
• Membership of the Police Federation, a national body representing all police officers, providing support from day one.
• Support for work‑life balance with 26 weeks of fully paid maternity leave, plus a variety of other leave options – like special leave, carer's leave, paternity leave and more.

• Unsuccessful interview for a BTP Police Officer or Special Constable within the last 6 months.
• Unsuccessful application or online ability testing for Police Officer, Special Constable or PCSO – must wait 6 months before reapplying.
• Unsuccessful BTP vetting checks within the last 12 months.
• Any custodial sentence (including suspended sentences). Other cautions, convictions and involvement with the police must be declared during vetting but are not necessarily a bar to employment.
• Previously dismissed from another force or currently involved in a live investigation.
• Declared bankrupt, CCJ or un‑managed IVA.
• Tattoos deemed offensive; tattoos on face and neck considered case‑by‑case.
• No permanent right to live and work in the UK.
• Not consistently resided in the UK for the past 3 years.

You don’t need prior policing experience – just the drive to make a difference and confidence to handle a wide range of situations.

• Strong communication skills.
• Good judgement and problem‑solving.
• Empathy and emotional resilience.
• Ability to build trust and stay calm under pressure.

All applications are completed online. You will need to complete a Situational Judgement Test (SJT). If you do not pass the SJT, your application will not progress further at this time. You are welcome to reapply in the future once the reapplication period allows.

We encourage you to attend a Q&A session before submitting your application. Attendance is not mandatory, but the sessions may help you better understand the role and recruitment process. Details of all available sessions can be found on the BTP careers page; the next upcoming session is available here: Q&A SESSION – BOOK HERE.

Please note:

this campaign is for new recruits only – transferees cannot apply via this route. If you wish to join as a transferee, apply via a transferee‑specific advert once available.

All successful candidates will join the conditional offer pool and remain considered for opportunities for 12 months from the date of offer.

Midnight on Sunday 22nd March 2026.

Should we receive a high volume of applications, the campaign may close earlier than the advertised deadline.

If you have questions or need support with your application, contact our friendly team at: R.

Lead with Compassion. Serve with Pride. Join British Transport Police and help shape a safer future.