British Transport Police Is Recruiting Police Officers - Make a Difference Where It Matters Most

Are you looking for a career where you can truly make a difference?

Whether it’s helping people in moments of need, challenging yourself every day, or being part of a caring and supportive team, the British Transport Police (BTP) could be the place for you.

Serve and Protect Across the UK’s Rail Network

We are currently recruiting Police Officers within C Division.

Locations included in this campaign:

Swindon

Reading

Oxford

Bristol

Truro

Yeovil

Please note: If your preferred location is not listed, we are not currently recruiting there. You should only apply if you are genuinely willing to work in one of the locations above.

Is This the Role for You?

As a Police Officer with British Transport Police, you will play a vital role in protecting millions of passengers, staff and members of the public across the rail network.

This role offers:

A competitive starting salary across England, Scotland and Wales

An excellent benefits package

Ongoing professional development

Geographical flexibility

Your duties will be varied and rewarding, including:

Visible patrols across stations and rail infrastructure

Responding to emergencies and incidents

Conducting criminal investigations

Gathering intelligence

Tackling serious and organised crime

Dealing with issues such as graffiti, theft and public reassurance

Building trust with the communities we serve

What You Will Get in Return

Salary and allowances:

Starting salary of £32,472, rising year‑on‑year to £50,256 after five years

Reading and Oxford attract an additional £3,000 South East Allowance

Benefits include:

Oyster card for personal and professional use

25 days annual leave, increasing with service

Career Average Revalued Earnings (CARE) pension scheme

Voucher and incentive schemes, including cycle‑to‑work

Wide range of high street and online discounts

Continued investment in learning and development through in‑house teams

Promotion and development opportunities into a variety of police specialisms

Specialist support from Occupational Health and Wellbeing

Free eyesight tests

Eligibility for the Blue Light Card

Work–life balance:

26 weeks of fully paid maternity leave

Additional leave options including:

Special leave
Carers leave
Paternity leave

Eligibility – Please Read Carefully

You will not be eligible to apply if:

You have been unsuccessful following an interview for a BTP Police Officer or Special Constable role within the last 6 months

You have been unsuccessful following application or online testing for Police Officer, Special Constable or PCSO roles within the last 6 months

You have been unsuccessful following BTP vetting checks within the last 12 months

You have ever received a custodial sentence (including suspended sentences)

You have been dismissed from another police force or have a live investigation

You are bankrupt, have a CCJ, or have an unmanaged IVA

You have offensive tattoos (face and neck tattoos considered case‑by‑case)

You do not have permanent right to live and work in the UK

You have not resided consistently in the UK for the past 3 years

What You’ll Bring

You do not need prior policing experience.

We are looking for people who demonstrate:

Strong communication skills

Good judgement and problem‑solving ability

Empathy and emotional resilience

The ability to build trust

The ability to stay calm under pressure

You will receive full training and continuous development, with opportunities to specialise in areas such as:

CID

Counter‑Terrorism

County Lines

Progression is not just encouraged it's a priority to us.

Driving Requirement

A full UK driving licence is essential for this role.

How to Apply

All applications are completed online.

As part of the application process, you will be required to complete a Situational Judgement Test (SJT).

If you do not pass the SJT, your application will not progress further at this stage.

You may reapply once the required reapplication period allows.

We strongly encourage applicants to attend a Q&A session before applying.
Attendance is optional, but sessions can provide useful insight into the role and recruitment process. Details are available on the BTP careers website.

Important Notes

This campaign is for new recruits only

Transferees must apply via a transferee‑specific advert when available

Successful applicants will enter the conditional offer pool and remain in that pool for up to 12 months from the date of offer

Inclusion and Diversity

British Transport Police is committed to building an inclusive workforce where everyone feels they belong.

We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, identities and lived experiences. Diversity strengthens our organisation and improves how we serve the public.

If you require reasonable adjustments at any stage of the recruitment process, please let us know. We are happy to support you.

A Note on AI Use in Applications

AI can help organise your thoughts, but we want to hear your voice.
What matters most to us are genuine experiences, honest motivation and authenticity. Let your own words tell your story.

Application Deadline

Midnight on Sunday 24 May 2026

Please note: If we receive a high volume of applications, this campaign may close earlier than advertised. Early application is advised.

Need Support?

If you have any questions or require assistance, please contact:

RecruitmentTeam@btp.police.uk

Lead with Compassion. Serve with Pride.

Join British Transport Police and help shape a safer future.

Apply

Police Officer - Swindon, Reading, Oxford, Bristol, Truro and YeovilBritish Transport Police Is Recruiting Police Officers - Make a Difference Where It Matters Most