The process of joining our Force as a New Recruit.

Ready to begin your career with the Ministry of Defence Police? Our recruitment process is designed to identify candidates who have the right qualities, commitment, and potential to become an Authorised Firearms Officer Counter Terrorism. We'll guide you through each stage, providing clear information and support to help you prepare effectively for this exciting opportunity.

Stage 1: Eligibility assessment and application request

Your first step is to complete our application request form to determine if you meet our essential requirements for the role. If you're eligible, we'll send you a comprehensive pack to begin your formal application process.

Stage 2: Application submission

After receiving your application pack, please return this to our recruitment team, with the additional required documentation. Our recruitment team will notify you of the results via email once this has been reviewed.

To note, your application requires personal information covering various areas including background details for security vetting, financial information, and any previous police involvement.

Stage 3: Interview process

Once notified that you have been successful at the application stage, you will be invited to partake in our interview process.

The first interview is a competency based interview. This is a 45-minute online interview via Microsoft Teams with two assessors, focusing on the MDP Competency Framework and your relevant skills and experience.

Those successful at the competency based interview will be invited to the second, a suitability interview. This is a face-to-face meeting at MDP Headquarters (RAF Wyton) lasting approximately 40 minutes. This explores your understanding of our Force, your motivation for applying, and your awareness of how the role may impact your personal life. Your Job-Related Fitness Test may also be scheduled on the same day.

Stage 4: Medical, Fitness Test, National Security Clearance Vetting and Police Vetting

If you're successful at the interview stages, you'll be invited to attend a comprehensive medical examination and fitness test (if not completed earlier). We'll initiate your Security Check (SC) clearance application and conduct Police Vetting checks, you can read more on our vetting process, but our recruitment team will provide full guidance throughout. Posts requiring Developed Vetting (DV) clearance will be processed after your station allocation is confirmed and SC clearance granted. Once you've successfully completed all processes, you'll be ready for appointment, subject to vacancy availability and final reference checks.

Stage 5: Hire

After successfully passing the recruitment process, you will be offered a position as they become available.

Stage 6: Appointment and training

Once you have successfully completed the application process, you will receive an offer of appointment. Your first day as a Ministry of Defence Police officer begins at our training school, and as a Ministry of Defence employee, you'll receive your full salary from day one.

Successful applicants serving in England will be enrolled onto the Level 4 Non-Home Office Police Officer Apprenticeship delivered by the MDP. This two-year programme begins with 21 weeks of intensive initial and firearms training, after which your development continues at your assigned station. Upon completion, you'll undergo an End Point Assessment conducted by an external agency, including knowledge checks, professional discussion, and practical evaluation.

Successful applicants serving in Scotland will be enrolled on the Level 7 Scottish Diploma delivered by the MDP. This two-year programme starts with 19 weeks of initial and firearms training. At the conclusion of training, you'll complete comprehensive exams and an operational module assessed debrief.

All training costs are fully covered by the MDP.

After your initial training, you'll remain on probation throughout the two-year programme.

Find Out More

Discover your training journey

Learn more about your development programme including New Recruits training, specialist firearms training, and the Level 4 Non-Home Office Apprenticeship that will transform you into a qualified MDP officer.