Job Introduction
We are recruiting for Police Officers at Bournemouth and Southampton
* Holding a valid full UK driving licence is essential for all locations included on this advert *
Please note: We are only recruiting for the locations specified in this advert. If these locations are not suitable for you, we kindly ask that you wait for a future campaign that aligns better with your preferred location.
Is this the role for you?
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 one of the highest starting salaries for Police Constables across England and Wales; along with an excellent benefits package, professional development opportunities, and geographical flexibility.
This role includes a wide variety of duties – from tackling serious and organised crime to addressing graffiti, theft, and public reassurance. Your duties will include visible patrolling, responding to emergencies, conducting criminal investigations, gathering intelligence, and building trust with the communities we serve.
What you will get in return:
Starting salary: £32,472 (plus additional paid allowances stated below), rising year-on-year to £50,256 after five years.-
South East Allowances: Additional £2000 from day 1 of training.
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Oyster card for personal and professional use.
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25 days holiday, increasing with service.
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A highly competitive Career Average Revalued Earnings (CARE) pension scheme.
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Voucher and incentive schemes, such as cycle-to-work as well as a wide range of high street and online discounts.
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Continued investment in learning; supported by our in-house talent & development teams.
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Promotion and development opportunities into different police specialisms
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Specialist support from our Occupational Health and wellbeing team
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Free eyesight tests
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Eligibility for Blue Light Card
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Become a member membership of the Police Federation, a national body representing all police officers, through which you can access a range of support from day one.
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We support work-life balance with 26 weeks of fully paid maternity leave, plus a variety of other leave options - like special leave, carers leave, paternity leave, and more. Because looking after our people matters.
We do need to let you know that you will not be eligible to apply if:
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If you have been unsuccessful following your application, testing or interview for Police Officer, Special Constable or PCSO, you must await 3 months before reapplying to any of these roles.
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You have been unsuccessful following BTP vetting checks within the last 12 months.
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You have ever received a custodial sentence this includes suspended sentences (other cautions, convictions and involvement with the police must be declared during the vetting process but are not necessarily a bar to employment).
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You have previously been dismissed from another force or you currently have a live investigation.
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You have been declared bankrupt, have a CCJ or an un-managed IVA.
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You have tattoos that are deemed offensive; tattoos on face and neck will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
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You do not have permanent right to live and work in the UK.
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You have not resided consistently in the UK for the past 3 years.
What You’ll Bring
You don’t need prior policing experience - just the drive to make a difference and the confidence to handle a wide range of situations.
Key qualities include:
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Strong communication skills
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Good judgement and problem-solving
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Empathy and emotional resilience
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The ability to build trust and stay calm under pressure
From day one, you’ll get the training and support you need to grow. Whether you’re interested in CID, Counter Terrorism, the Dog Unit, tackling County Lines, or another specialism, you’ll find real opportunities to develop. At BTP, career progression isn’t just encouraged - it’s expected.
Want to apply?
Applying is straightforward, with all applications completed online.
As part of the application process, you will be required to complete a Situational Judgement Test (SJT). If you do not pass the SJT, your application will not progress any further at this time. However, 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, as it can help you better understand the role and recruitment process. However, attendance is not mandatory, and you can still apply without taking part. Details of all available sessions can be found on the BTP careers page.
Please note: this campaign is for new recruits only, transferees are not apply to apply via this route. If you wish to join the British Transport Police as a transferee, please apply via a transferee-specific advert once available.
Please be advised this campaign is for successful applicants to join our conditional offer pool. All successful candidates will remain in the pool and be considered for opportunities for period of 12 months, starting from the date you receive a conditional offer of employment.
We are committed to building a workforce where everyone feels they belong.
We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, identities and lived experiences. Diversity strengthens our teams, improves our services and helps us better represent and support the communities we serve. We are proud to be an inclusive employer and strive to create a workplace that is fair, respectful and accessible to all. We actively work to challenge discrimination, remove barriers and ensure equity throughout our recruitment and employment practices. If you need any reasonable adjustments during the recruitment or selection process, please let us know - we are happy to support you. Your talent, your potential, and your unique perspective matter here.
AI can be a useful tool to spark ideas or help you organise your thoughts, but when it comes to your application, we want to hear from you, not an algorithm. What truly stands out to us are genuine stories, personal insights and the experiences that have shaped who you are. Authenticity matters - it helps us understand your motivations, your strengths and how you’ll contribute to our team. So, use AI if it helps you get started, but let your own voice lead the way.
Application deadline: Midnight on Sunday 14th June 2026
Should we receive a high volume of applications, the campaign may close earlier than the advertised deadline. We encourage you to submit your application as soon as possible to avoid missing out.
Require any assistance?
If you have any questions or need support with your application, contact our friendly team at: [email protected]
Protect with Compassion. Serve with Pride. Join British Transport Police and help create a safer future.
