Military to policing – why choose Dorset?
At Dorset Police we are proud to welcome individuals from military backgrounds into our policing family. Transitioning from military service to policing is a natural and rewarding progression for many veterans.
We know you will already hold many of the skills we require from our hardworking officers and staff, including discipline, decision-making, teamwork and a deep commitment to public service. This is why we will recognise your military experience instead of other entry requirement qualifications.
Joining Dorset Police means building on the values you lived by in uniform: integrity, respect and service.
It’s an opportunity to keep making a difference and help us to be tough on crime, keep people safe and put victims and witnesses first.
We are currently recruiting for police officers through four entry routes.
- Police Constable Entry Programme (PCEP) – no degree needed and opportunity to earn while you gain a Diploma in Professional Policing Practice.
- Police Constable Degree Apprenticeship (PCDA) – earn while you gain a degree in Professional Policing Practice.
- Degree Holder Entry Programme (DHEP) – must have a degree. Earn while you gain a Diploma in Professional Policing Practice.
- Professional Policing Degree (PPD) – must have a Professional Policing Practice Degree.
The benefits of working as a police officer for Dorset Police
Competitive salary and benefits – Earn yearly increments up to £50,256 within seven years of joining, 25 days a year leave entitlement rising to 30 days after five years and a generous pension.
Exciting career opportunities – By joining Dorset Police you will have the opportunity to expand your skills and experience by branching into a wide range of roles and teams.
Access to fitness – Access to heavily subsidised gym membership that will provide you access to police site gyms throughout Dorset.
Lifestyle benefits – Access to sport clubs, social facilities and activities, cycle to work scheme and childcare vouchers.
Access to a wide range of support – We have a range of staff support networks, in addition to free Employees Assistance Programme, Occupational Health and wellbeing services.
Ongoing support – Supportive and flexible training plan, including regular check-ins throughout your initial period of joining us to ensure you are up to speed with the role and getting the support you need.
The support we can offer
Veteran experience accepted – We recognise the skills you can bring to policing. You do not need to have the necessary entry requirement qualifications if you can demonstrate at least 18 months’ service in the military.
Armed Forces Covenant Commitment – We proudly uphold the Armed Forces Covenant, ensuring that those who serve or have served and their families are treated fairly and with respect in the communities they protect.
Positive Action – We aim to build our workforce to reflect the rich diversity and complexities of our communities by attracting the best talent from the widest pool of people. We are currently under-represented by, people who are Black, Asian or of ethnic heritage, and people who are disabled or neurodiverse. If you fall within one of these under-represented groups, our Positive Action Team can provide support ahead of a recruitment process. You can find out more here: Positive Action - Dorset Police and Devon & Cornwall Police working in Partnership
Meet some of our officers and staff who have served in the military
John Wood, Alliance Health and Safety Manager working across Dorset Police and Devon and Cornwall Police
When I applied to work for the police, I was looking for a role with similar values to the Armed Forces, which I feel I have found. To anyone leaving the forces, I would strongly recommend a career in policing.
I joined the British Army in 1985 as an Apprentice Soldier in the Royal Army Medical Corps. I served in the Army for 26 years and in that time, I was sponsored through university to study Environmental Health and became a commissioned Environmental Health Officer (EHO) specialising in health and safety. I then transferred to the Royal Navy where I served an additional 11 years, again as an EHO. I retired from the armed Forces in 2022 as a Lieutenant Commander and began working for the police in 2023 as the Alliance Health and Safety Manager.
Military service develops many transferrable skills, including the ability to work under pressure and flexibility when things don’t go to plan. Management and leadership in the military does not follow the stereotypical image portrayed in film and television. I was taught compassion and to respect individuals’ strengths and weaknesses. I also developed a strong sense of team spirit and the value of integrity and mutual trust. I now manage a small team of professionals and do my best to maintain those same principles.
Police Sergeant Jase Cooper, Wellbeing Team for Devon & Cornwall Police and Dorset Police
Having worked predominantly in front line units in an operational rank, I think policing benefits from the military skill sets and the life experience usually accrued by veterans.
I am currently the Health & Wellbeing Sergeant with Dorset/Devon & Cornwall Police running a small team providing help, support and guidance for officers and staff to navigate work life challenges.
I joined the Army at the age of 18 and served in the 2nd Royal Tank Regiment, including in West Germany.
After leaving the Army I worked in a variety of roles in the public sector, before joining as a police officer at the age of 31. I very quickly recognised that the discipline, teamwork and values overlap between the military and the police service.
