PSNI Launch Major Recruitment Drive for Student Officers

The Police Service of Northern Ireland has launched a major recruitment campaign for student officers and Custody Detention Officers, calling on people from all backgrounds to apply for roles that can make a difference in communities across Northern Ireland.

The multi-faceted advertising campaign, which launched yesterday 14 January 2026, will run across broadcast and print media as well as social and digital platforms over the next three weeks. It aims to attract new student officer recruits for the 22-week training programme.

Chief Constable Jon Boutcher said he wants the Police Service of Northern Ireland to be seen as an "employer of choice" and be "representative of the community we serve". He described policing as more than just a job, saying it is "a chance to work with and for communities across Northern Ireland and make a meaningful difference every single day".

"We're looking for individuals who care about their communities, who want to work with them to help others, and who are ready to step into roles that truly matter," Mr Boutcher said.

He added that new recruits will receive comprehensive training and ongoing professional development, with a starting salary of £35,000. "There is no other job like it and we want people from all walks of life, from all communities, to join us."

Over the coming weeks, the Police Service will be undertaking a range of outreach and engagement activities to encourage people from all communities to apply, particularly those currently under-represented within the Service. Mr Boutcher emphasised the force's commitment to reflecting the diversity of Northern Ireland, encouraging applicants from all backgrounds, identities and experiences.

"If you have integrity, compassion, and a willingness to learn, and if you want to make positive change for your community and across Northern Ireland, apply to join the Police Service, which is, having been a police officer for over 40 years, the best police service in the world," he said. "Our officers listen, support, protect, and they build relationships with communities that can change lives. If you want a career with purpose, where every day is different and every action counts, we encourage you to apply."

Justice Minister Naomi Long welcomed the launch of the student officer recruitment campaign, saying the PSNI workforce recovery has been one of her key priorities. "Today's launch, and the funding that has been delivered on a commitment to increase police officer numbers, provides a rewarding opportunity for a career in policing. If you want to make a positive difference in your community, policing could be for you and I would encourage you to apply," the Minister said.

Northern Ireland Policing Board Chair Mukesh Sharma also backed the recruitment drive, highlighting the attractive career prospects available. "Policing offers an attractive and rewarding career choice with opportunities for ongoing professional qualifications, training and development, as well as promotion and progression. It is an exciting career and one where no two days will ever be the same. It is a career that has the ability to make a really positive difference to the safety of our community," Mr Sharma said.

He added that the Board wants policing to be fully reflective and representative of the diversity of the community it serves, encouraging people from all walks of life and backgrounds to make policing their career of choice.

The application process for student officer recruitment will close on Wednesday 4 February 2026, while applications for Custody Detention Officers will close on Monday 9 February 2026. More information and application details are available at www.joinpsni.co.uk/police-officer where prospective applicants can read about each step of the process, information about the roles and testimonials from officers about their careers.