Expert: Chris Wagoner - 11/29/2007

Question
QUESTION: hi my name is sam hunt im in year 10 at the moment how old do u have to be to be a police officer and what grades would i need e.g. would i need certain grades like a c in english or a in maths that kind of thing could you please let me know and i live in derby to let you know

ANSWER: Hi Sam!

I am impressed that you are 10, and able to ask such a well thought out and written question. Good job! And I am also impressed that you are interested in being a police officer. Good for you! Not everyone your age looks that far ahead, and thats a good thing!

By Derby I am guessing the Derby just west of Nottingham? I am in the US but I think I can help you out since being a police officer here and in England are almost the same. I even have a friend who is a English Officer.

In England you have to be at least 18 years old to be a police officer. Also you have to have a British citizen.

Since you have a few years to get ready, you can do some things that will increase your chances of being a police officer.

First keep your criminal record clean. Don't get in trouble! That is one of the quickest ways to get disqualified from being a police officer. Second, when you start to drive, don't get tickets. Too many tickets will get you disqualified also. Don't get any tattoos. The police force doesn't like tattoos that show or are of things that may be offensive to others.

Make sure when your old enough and get some, that you pay your bills on time. Police even look at your money handling to make sure your not likely to take money from the bad guys to pay your bills.

You have to be physically fit and in good health, so start exercising and eating right. Police officers have to be in good shape to fight with the bad guys if they have to.

As for school, just get good grades. You don't have to get straight "A"s, but it wouldn't hurt. You don't have to have college but that is always a plus and makes you a better police officer. Its also good to learn a second language. I speak English and German and little of Chinese. The police need officers who can speak other languages because as many people visit England (and the states) and it helps to be able to talk with them in their languages.You also should be able to read and write well. Police officers have to do a lot of report writing and you have to be able to read well also, so make sure you study really hard in English and writing classes!

Here is a good web site that explains in detail the requirements of being a police officer in England. http://www.policecouldyou.co.uk/officers/eligible_details.html

I hope this answers some of your questions. You can ask more anytime you like Sam, and don't worry about asking too many, I would love to help you out and see you grow up and be a police officer, its a very noble and fine job to have. I have been one for 26+ years now! Almost three ties as long as you are old! And I love it. You really feel like you get to help people at times, and its always a good feeling to take the bad guys off the streets so your friends and family are safer.

You stay safe, stay out of trouble, and study hard, you will do just fine!



---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: hiya chris its sam again just to let you know i aint 10 years old i am 14 im in year 10 at school i am doing well in school and also i do a lot of sports eg football hockey and all other kind of sports but i eat a lot of junk food and takeaways  but exersize alot so i do keep fit the only problem i think i will have being a police officer is that if i had to arrest someone in my family i dont know what i would have to do i would most likely do the right thing and 1 more question what would be the best thing i could have on a cv that would increase my chances of being a police officers

ANSWER: Hi again Sam,

Military experience would be a great plus. That is one of the best things you can have.

Keep up the good work!!

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: hey chris its sam again sorry to bother you but thank you for helping me on everything i do know quit a bit of military knoledge because i went to the army cadets but i quit and i am now in the air cadets and i am goin to be doin the d of e (duke of edingbrough award) so i just wanted to know is that as good as having military knowledge thanks

Answer
Hi again Sam,

Don't worry your not bothering me. As for military experience they are looking for Active Duty time. Actually serving in the military. Your Army and Air Cadet time will help in the Academy but not for hiring in law enforcement.

AGain stay safe and keep going!