National Graduate Programme - Suffolk Constabulary

For every ambition, every action, every change. If you are ready to step into a role where your decisions shape real lives and communities, this is where your journey begins.

As a Times Top 100 Graduate Employer, our two-year programme is designed to develop diverse graduates, from any degree, who want to build trust, reduce crime and transform communities.

We are partnering with Suffolk Constabulary, so you will work in Ipswich, Lowestoft, Bury St Edmunds or Felixstowe.

The role

On our National Graduate Programme, you’ll train to become a neighbourhood police officer and be at the forefront of creating safer communities, working proactively to address long-term issues and enhance the quality of life for the residents in the communities you serve.

You’ll work as part of a neighbourhood policing team, spending two years embedded within a community. During this time, you will focus on identifying threats, harm and risk and tackling local issues and complex challenges.

Being a police officer is demanding and intense but incredibly rewarding. You’ll have the opportunity to truly make a difference to the communities you serve and have a lasting impact on individuals’ lives. While there will be challenging moments and new practices, to get used to, you’ll be supported by a wide network to guide you along the way.

Our programme gives you the opportunity to make our society better by developing skills to become a future leader in society and on the policing frontline.

During the programme, you will have full ownership and responsibility for bringing about positive change. There is no greater feeling than seeing the work you do impact someone’s life for the better.

Find out more:

• What is it like to work for Suffolk Constabulary?
• Read our neighbourhood policing brochure.
• View our programme structure.

Why Police Now?

• Your starting salary will be £31,164 and this is paid to you from day one of our eight-week training academy. Your salary will increase each year up to £50,256 - £59,964 within seven years. On promotion to the next police rank, Sergeant, you can earn a starting salary of £53,568 - £63,276.
• You’ll have the opportunity to go on a four-week external secondment or internal attachment opportunity in your second year of the programme. Previous secondees have gone to Accenture and the Home Office.
• You’ll have access to a Performance and Development coach during the two years.
• Beyond the programme, we offer support with promotion and progression.

Rewards and benefits

• Leave - You’ll start with 22 days per year (on top of public holidays), rising to 30 days depending on your length of service.
• Work-life balance - This is not your typical 9-5. Police officers work varied shift patterns which gives them flexibility and freedom to maximise their time outside of work.
• Pension - You’ll automatically be enrolled as a member of the Police Pension Scheme 2015, which awards police officers for their dedication and service to the public.
• Financial services discounts - There are various partner organisations who work alongside the police to offer a variety of financial services including saving, investment and protection products, as well as discounts and subsidies.

Eligibility

To apply for this programme, you must:

• be over 17 years of age or older on application, (and 18 by the time of appointment)
• be a British citizen, a citizen of a country that is a member of the European Economic Area or Switzerland, or a Commonwealth citizen or foreign national who is resident in the UK and has settled status or leave to remain and work without restrictions
• hold a first, 2:1 or 2.2 in any undergraduate degree from a UK university (or equivalent from a non-UK university) and have completed all education by the programme start date (March 2026) . This includes part time or distance learning.
• Have a full UK manual driving licence.

Application Process

• Online application
• Immersive assessment
• Assessment centre.
• Conditional offer.

Although you do not need prior policing knowledge or experience to join our programme, you’ll need to show that your motivations align with the Police Now mission.