The realities of policing
A career as a police officer is among the most rewarding paths you can pursue. You’ll gain insights into yourself, connect with others, and develop a deeper understanding of the world around you. Along the way, you’ll acquire unique skills and accomplish things you may never have imagined—all while helping people in their times of greatest need.
However, this career also brings significant challenges. Long shifts cancelled rest days, a challenging work-life balance, and stepping into highly volatile situations are all realities of being a police officer.
Work-life balance
Maintaining a work-life balance as a police officer can be challenging. Policing often requires long hours, irregular shifts, and responding to emergencies at any time of day or night. This can make it difficult to plan personal time or stick to a routine. Weekends, holidays, and special occasions may often be spent on duty rather than with family and friends.
However, many officers find ways to adapt. Strong time management skills, understanding family and support networks, and utilising downtime effectively can help strike a balance.
Expect the unexpected
As a police officer, no two days are ever the same, and you must always be prepared for the unexpected. A routine traffic stop could escalate into a high-stakes situation, or a quiet patrol might turn into a race to respond to a critical emergency. The unpredictable nature of the job demands quick thinking, adaptability, and the ability to stay calm under pressure.
This unpredictability can be both challenging and rewarding. It keeps the role dynamic and engaging but also requires mental and emotional resilience. Being a police officer means embracing uncertainty and knowing that every day holds the potential to make a meaningful impact.
Balancing university and work
For those officers undertaking our Police Constable Degree Apprenticeship (PCDA) or Degree Holder Entry Programme (DHEP), balancing the demands of being a police officer while studying for a degree is no small feat. Policing is a demanding profession, requiring long hours, shift work, and often dealing with high-pressure situations. Adding academic commitments on top of this means careful planning, strong time management, and a lot of determination.
Officers pursuing a degree often find themselves studying during their downtime, on days off, or even between shifts. Sacrifices may be necessary, such as giving up personal time or social activities, but the rewards can be significant.
It’s not all fast cars and police chases
Policing isn’t what you see in movies or on TV—it’s not all adrenaline-fueled chases or tense interrogations with hardened criminals. There are quieter moments, such as catching up on paperwork from your last shift.
But the reality is…it’s worth it
The role of a police officer is incredibly rewarding. You'll have the opportunity to help people during their most critical moments, sometimes in life-or-death situations they’ll remember forever. You'll experience extraordinary events, such as chasing criminals through the streets or responding to grade-one emergencies with blue lights flashing—scenarios most people only witness in movies. Moreover, your very presence will provide a sense of safety and reassurance to the community.
There are also many benefits of working with us.
Interested in starting your journey in policing? Find your perfect entry route here and apply to become a police officer.