Here I've gathered some background information on the police service which you might want to learn, revise or consider before you even apply. What's more some of this research will stand you in very good stead when it comes to answering the relevant question on the application form!

Recommended Reading: Blackstone's Preparing for Police Duty This is a great reference guide to the police service in England and Wales. It provides a readable, practical overview of the structure, concepts and workings of the police force. It offers a comprehensive foundation to the basic concepts that new recruits will encounter during their initial training periods and in the workplace, as well as highlighting some key issues and theories that will be built upon in later training. A great preparation tool!

The police service is organised as a hierarchical structure with a disciplined command structure. Well, that's the theory anyway!

You might be interested to learn how much you'll get paid as a copper, and what the take-home pay looks like...

Police Pension

So you've got up to 30 years policing to do before you get it, but believe me every copper knows about their pension and what it's worth.

More information:

• The Home Office's site about crime and policing
• The Association of Police Authorities' website
• Website all about ongoing Police reform in the UK
• There are other books on our recommended books list