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The Police Service of Northern Ireland have launched a recruitment campaign for student officers, marking 25 years of the organisation. The campaign will run for seven weeks in broadcast and print media and on social and digital platforms. A Transferee Scheme for serving officers has also opened, with applications for call handlers and administrative support officers to follow.
Chief Constable Jon Boutcher said he wants the service “to be representative of the community we serve and to be seen as an employer of choice.” He described policing as vocational and said it offers “a chance to work along with all communities throughout Northern Ireland and make a meaningful difference every single day.”
New recruits will receive training and ongoing professional development, with a starting salary of £35k. They will also have the chance to study for a degree in criminology and policing from Ulster University “so they can earn while they learn.”
Mr Boutcher said the Transferee Scheme opens today and welcomes serving officers with policing skills and experience to apply to transfer directly to the PSNI. He said many people had applied to become police officers elsewhere because recruitment had stopped, and told officers in other police services that “it is time to come home.”
Applications for Call Handlers open on Monday 19 October, and recruitment for Administrative Support Officers opens on Monday 9 November. Outreach and engagement activities will be held in the coming weeks to encourage people from all communities to apply.
Justice Minister Naomi Long welcomed the launch and said a job as a police officer “is challenging, but it is also varied and hugely rewarding.” She said ensuring there are adequate police numbers is “one of my key priorities” and that the Department of Justice has worked closely with the PSNI to develop a workforce recovery plan. She urged anyone considering a career in policing to apply.
Northern Ireland Policing Board Chair Brendan Mullan also backed the campaign. He said policing offers opportunities for professional qualifications, training, development, promotion and progression, and that it is a career “where no two days will ever be the same.” He said the Board supports people from all walks of life and backgrounds applying, and asked people right through the community and civic life to give the campaign similar support and encouragement.
Mr Boutcher added: “If you have integrity, compassion, and a willingness to learn, and if you want to make positive change for your community, apply to join the Police Service”.
More information and the application process are available at www.joinpsni.co.uk
