DO you have what it takes to become a police officer?

Sussex Police are now inviting applications for the Police Constable Degree Apprenticeship (PCDA) for people looking to join the force.

“Tackling crime, taking knives off the streets, engaging and educating young people and being the person everyone looks towards for help,” a spokesman said about the job.

“A police officer’s role is demanding and diverse – no two days are the same.

“We’re looking for people who have the judgement to make quick decisions, are confident to be the first person in, have the compassion and empathy to help those in need, who’ll have their colleagues’ backs no matter what and the resilience to serve the community every single day.”

To be eligible for the role, people need to be 17 or over, have lived in the UK for three continuous years and have a full manual driving licence.

They must not have more than six penalty points within three years, have any tattoos which could cause offence, or be a member of the British National Party or other relevant organisations.

Further criteria and how to apply can be found on Sussex Police’s website.

Recruits will be acting on emergency calls, investigating reported crimes, apprehending, arresting and interviewing suspects, collecting evidence at crime scenes and much more.

The spokesman said: “You need to be prepared for anything. Which is why we have introduced our new entry routes into policing, providing you with the skills and capabilities to be a successful police officer in the ever-changing environment.”

Throughout the three-year apprenticeship degree programme, recruits will be supported by the police’s in-house learning and professional development team.

They will be employed as an officer from day one, gaining valuable experience of the role alongside studying towards a degree.

They will also be paid a salary while studying and will not be charged any tuition fees – therefore there is no need for student loans.

In June, 64 recruits were formally sworn in at an attestation ceremony by Chief Constable Jo Shiner, while family and friends joined the proceedings from around the world via Zoom.

Chief Con Shiner said: “I am very proud to welcome these new officers to the force.

“Attestation is such a significant ceremony, marking the start of a policing career, so it was fantastic that we were able to bring the recruit constables together for this event, through adapting to meet social distancing guidelines and by welcoming their families virtually.”