Background and security check
You must pass thorough background and security checks before you can be appointed as a police officer.
Background
On your application form you will be asked to provide the names of referees who can provide supporting information about your character and employment history. If you pass all the other phases of the application process, the people you named will be contacted.
Once your references have been received and verified, and as long as they are acceptable, your application will proceed to security clearance - the final stage in the process.
Security clearance
Before you can be hired as a police officer, background checks will be carried out. Information from your application form and from police systems such as the Police National Computer (PNC) will be used to verify your identity and your background.
The force you have applied to will let you know whether you have been security cleared.