The Police Service of Northern Ireland launches a new drive for student officers and police staff who ‘want to make a difference’
The Police Service of Northern Ireland has today, Wednesday 14th January 2026 launched a recruitment campaign for both new student officers and Custody Detention Officers calling on people from all backgrounds and communities to step forward and help build a safer, more connected Northern Ireland.
Over the next three weeks, the public will see a multi-faceted advertising campaign that includes broadcast and print media, across social and digital platforms. It is aimed at attracting 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”.
“Policing is more than a job, 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.
“New recruits will receive comprehensive training, and ongoing professional development, with a starting salary of £35k.
“There is no other job like it and we want people from all walks of life, from all communities, to join us.”
The application process for student officer recruitment which is now open will close on Wednesday 4th February 2026 and Custody Detention Officers on Monday 9th February 2026.
“These are fantastic opportunities for anyone who is interested in joining the Police Service and, over the next few weeks, you will see and hear our advertisements,” added Mr Boutcher.
“We’ll be undertaking a range of outreach and engagement activities in the coming weeks to encourage people from all communities, particularly those currently under-represented within the Service, to apply for a career in policing.”
The Police Service of Northern Ireland is encouraging applicants from all backgrounds, identities, and experiences, reinforcing its commitment to a police service that reflects the diversity of Northern Ireland.
Chief Constable Boutcher said: “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.
“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.”
Welcoming the launch of the Student Officer recruitment campaign, Justice Minister Naomi Long said: “The PSNI workforce recovery has been one of my key priorities and I welcome the PSNI’s recruitment campaign.
“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.”
Supporting the latest recruitment drive, Northern Ireland Policing Board Chair Mukesh Sharma said: “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.
“As a Board we want policing to be fully reflective and representative of the diversity of the community it serves. We encourage and support people from all walks of life and backgrounds to apply for this latest campaign, and make policing their career of choice.”
To find out more information and apply, go to:
https://www.joinpsni.co.uk/police-officer
where each step of the process is outlined alongside information about the roles. You’ll also be able to read testimonials from officers about their careers.
