RAF Police

What will you do? You’ll play a critical role in enabling airpower operations both in the UK, and on operations globally, by providing a broad spectrum of Security and Law enforcement capabilities. You will run criminal and security investigations alongside counter intelligence and protective security activities. In your role you will carry out: Security activities, including cyber and Information security, counter-intelligence, security risk management and airport securityOperational threat assessments and advicePersonnel security such as security education, vetting and screeningInvestigations including digital forensics, crime scene examination, criminal intelligence, child support and domestic violence support and surveillanceRAF police dog handling duties including protection dogs and detection dogs Minimum Education Requirements Have GCSE at Grade C/4-5 or Scottish National 5 at grade C in English Language Minimum Education Requirements Have GCSE at Grade C/4-5 or Scottish National 5 at grade C in English Language Requirements Be aged 17.5 – 47 years old (Must attest before 48th birthday)You can apply for this role with a provisional UK driving licence but must hold a full UK driving licence before being allocated to recruit trainingYou must be a UK citizen or holder of dual UK/other nationalityCommit minimum 3 years post Phase Two TrainingMeet the health and fitness criteriaPass thePass a Fitness test - Details below Requirements Be aged 18-54 Applicants must apply no later than age 54 and 9 months in order to attest before 55th birthday Ex-Regulars and specialist entrants may be considered on a case by case basisYou must be a UK citizen or holder of dual UK/other nationalityYou can apply for this role with a provisional UK driving licence but must hold a full UK driving licence before being allocated to recruit trainingCommit 27 days per yearMeet the fitness and health criteriaPass the Apprenticeships available The RAF is one of the largest providers of diverse apprenticeships in the UK. We offer these apprenticeships for this role: Advanced Level 3 Security First Line Manager Apprenticeship Completion of the apprenticeship would enable candidates to develop the skills and knowledge required to manage people working specifically in a security environment such as Private Security Industry, MOD, Event Security, ‘In –house’ security, Department for Transport and will provide a vocational route to a career in Security Management (excluding close protection). Reserve role locations Reserve roles exist in specific reserve squadrons, which in turn are located at specific RAF bases. As you will not be resident at those bases (except on multi-day operations or exercises), geographic proximity to where you live is important. These are the bases where this role is active: 502 Sqn, JHFS Aldergrove, Co Antrim 603 Sqn, Edinburgh, Edinburgh 605 Sqn, RAF Cosford, Shropshire 609 Sqn, RAF Leeming, North Yorkshire 614 Sqn, Cardiff 2503 Sqn, RAF Waddington, Lincolnshire 2620 Sqn, RAF Marham, Norfolk 2622 Sqn (Highland), RAF Lossiemouth, Moray 2623 Sqn, RAF Honington, Suffolk 2624 Sqn, RAF Brize Norton, Oxfordshire 3 Police Sqn, RAF Honington, Suffolk WHAT HAPPENS AFTER APPLYING Joining the RAF takes several steps. Below is an overview of the process. The purpose of this process is for us to gauge whether you’re the right person for the RAF and for you to show us all of your skills and experiences that have made you who you are. 01 Phase one training Basic Recruit Training 10 weeks RAF Halton Your career will start with the Basic Recruit Training Course at RAF Halton in Buckinghamshire. 10 weeks RAF Halton Phase one training The course is designed to help you adjust to a military environment. As well as fitness and military training, you’ll also learn about the RAF lifestyle. 02 Phase two training Specialist training 22 weeks MOD Southwick The RAF Police Initial Course is delivered at the Defence School of Policing and Guarding, MOD Southwick Park, Hampshire. 22 weeks MOD Southwick Phase two training The course covers law enforcement duties including civilian and service legislation, investigations, reporting and recording of Service and civilian offences, Personal Safety Training, arrest procedures, and police interviews. You will also be trained in the principles of security including: personnel security, protective security, information assurance, security risk management, counter terrorism and aviation security. If you are selected for dog-handling duties, further training will follow where you will be taught to work with, and care for, a RAF Police dog. 03 Additional qualification Ongoing training Ongoing As assigned During your specialist training you will be given the opportunity to enrol on the Advanced Level 3 Security First Line Manager Apprenticeship. Ongoing As assigned Additional qualification Further progression in the trade is credited against a BA (Hons) degree in Organisational Capability Development. 04 Your first tour Ongoing training Ongoing As assigned For your first tour, you could be assigned to law enforcement and aviation security duties at a RAF Unit, work as a dog handler or be employed on a Tactical Police Flight. Ongoing As assigned Your first tour Police work can be physically demanding, and you should be prepared to undertake shift work in all weather conditions and locations. 05 Ongoing development Ongoing training Ongoing As assigned As your career progresses, we will continue to train you in new skills. Ongoing As assigned Ongoing development You will have opportunities to attend different courses in areas such as protective security, counter intelligence, cyber security, close protection and criminal investigation. These include Home Office police courses such as Crime Scene Investigator, National Suspect Interview and High-Tech Crime. 06 Career Prospects Ongoing training Ongoing As assigned There are early opportunities to travel and operate overseas. Ongoing As assigned Career Prospects You will be relied upon to demonstrate initiative, make decisions and provide Police and Security advice in order to protect RAF personnel and Defence assets. After 18 months, you could move into a specialist area. Like most people in the RAF, you will probably move jobs every few years; each job is known as a tour. Once you have successfully completed the initial RAF Police training, you will be promoted to the rank of acting Corporal. Further promotion to full Corporal and beyond is by competitive selection. 07 Transferrable skills Ongoing training Ongoing As assigned During initial police training you will have the opportunity to undertake an apprenticeship qualification. Ongoing As assigned Transferrable skills Subsequent specialist military and Home Office courses will give you skills that are valuable in the wider world. When you decide to leave the RAF, you will be well placed to pursue another career in an associated field . Police Officer, Fraud Officer or Aviation Security. prevnext TRAINING AND CAREER At any level or position your personal success is vital to make us succeed too. We are dedicated to your future, as it is essential to ours. You will receive basic and specialist training in your field and we even provide the option to pay for your education. The experience you gain with the RAF will equip you to work at the top of your field, both in the UK and overseas. 01 Phase one training Basic Recruit Training 23 days (split) RAF Halton Your first steps with us will be your Basic Recruit Training Course (BRTC). 23 days (split) RAF Halton Phase one training This will take place over 4 weekends at your chosen RAF Reserves Squadron, followed by a 15-day residential training course at RAF Halton in Buckinghamshire. This should be completed within your first year in RAF reserves. Throughout your training you’ll become prepared for service life in one of the most respected military forces in the world. As well as military training you’ll learn about the core values, code of conduct, and history of the RAF as well as its unique lifestyle. 02 Phase two training Specialist Training Ongoing As assigned After successfully completing initial training, you will be trained for your specific role in the RAF either at your squadron or another RAF station in the UK. Ongoing As assigned Phase two training You’ll now be trained for your specific role with us, either at your squadron or another RAF station in the UK. 03 Your commitment Ongoing training Ongoing As assigned We ask that you commit to a minimum of 27 days each year with us. Ongoing As assigned Your commitment This will mean you can get the most out of your role as a Reserve and provide value to us. Each year includes a 15-day block for general RAF training, and 12 separate days for extra training or exercises. You could also be deployed to a UK or overseas base for up to 6 months after your first year with us. 04 Ongoing development Ongoing training Ongoing As assigned You will have valuable personal development opportunities together with the chance to work around the world, gaining unique experiences in the process. Ongoing As assigned Ongoing development As well as RAF training packages and courses linked to outside professional bodies, we actively support individual study programmes at every level. 05 Transferable skills Ongoing training Ongoing As assigned Much of our in-house training is accredited or recognised by external awarding bodies. Ongoing As assigned Transferable skills The skills you learn with us as a Reserve will complement those that you use in the wider world, providing value at work and at home too. prevnext WHY JOIN THE RAF? Thanks to subsidised food, travel, accommodation and free gym you get more money in your pocket. Rent from £75p/m Free gym Subsidised food Health care World travel Training WHY JOIN THE RESERVES? The skills you acquire as a Reserve won’t just prepare you for the RAF, they will enhance your work and civilian life. You might be called up to assist with our operations worldwide for up to six months, during which you may be able to claim a pay award to cover your and your employer’s costs. Training Free gym Subsidised food Paid pension Paid holiday COMMITMENT AND LOCATION You will have to commit to 27 days per year for 12 years minimum. Each year includes a 15-day block for general RAF training, and 12 separate days for extra training or exercises. You might be deployed to a UK or overseas base for up to 6 months after the first year. WHAT HAPPENS AFTER APPLYING Joining the RAF takes several steps. Below is an overview of the process. The purpose of this process is for us to gauge whether you’re the right person for the RAF and for you to show us all of your skills and experiences that have made you who you are. 1 Aptitude test 2 Selection Interviews 3 Health Assessment 4 Fitness Test 5 Acceptance 6 Training 1 Aptitude test Stage 1 of 6 The aptitude test has been designed to ensure you’re a good fit for the role you’re applying for. You’ll answer seven multiple choice sections which each focus on a different skill: Verbal reasoning - use and interpretation of written informationNumerical reasoning - ability with basic fractions, decimals and formulaeWork rate - speed and accuracy of tasksSpatial reasoning - how shapes and objects workElectrical comprehension - working with electrical conceptsMechanical comprehension - grasp of mechanical conceptsMemory - Ability to remember information accurately Click to try the online practice test. 2 Selection Interviews Stage 2 of 6 Here’s where we get to know you a little better. You’ll get to showcase your skills and experience, and we’ll answer any questions you have about joining us. Your interview will take place at a local AFCO and cover the following topics: Family lifeEducationWork experienceSpecial interests and hobbiesInterest in the RAFTrainingThe role you’ve applied forThe RAF You’ll be asked a series of standard questions, and you’ll be able to ask your own questions during the debrief afterwards. Some roles require a second interview and/ or test to determine your suitability. These are normally conducted over a 1-3 day period at an RAF base where you’ll be able to see, and experience, the kind of environment you’ll be working in. Details about which interviews are relevant for you will be provided during the application process. 3 Health Assessment Stage 3 of 6 You’re legally required to meet certain medical standards, and must pass an occupational health assessment to show you’re fit for military duty. As part of this assessment we will check your overall health, focusing on areas like hearing, eyesight and body mass index. We’ll also investigate any past illnesses and screen for health issues that may prevent you from carrying out your role. Please refer to entry requirements below for more information about the health standards you’ll need to meet. 4 Fitness Test Stage 4 of 6 A good level of fitness is critical to joining the RAF, it’s also something that must be maintained throughout your career. You’ll need to complete a Pre-Joining Fitness Test (PJFC). This will take place at a local gym, and includes a 2.4km run, push up test and a sit-up test. The performance level you’ll need to meet differs by age and gender. Please refer to the entry requirements below for more information about the health standards you’ll need to meet. You can also find help, and a training plan, to assist you in your preparation . 5 Acceptance Stage 5 of 6 Once you’ve successfully completed each phase of the application process you’ll be invited to a provisional offer of service interview at your nearest AFCO. This is to ensure that you understand the terms and conditions of service in the RAF, are fully committed to joining, and prepared to commence training. 6 Training Stage 6 of 6 Basic Recruit TrainingThis takes place over 10 weeks at RAF Halton in Buckinghamshire. It will make you fitter and more confident. It will challenge you mentally and physically, and it will prepare you for your career with us. There are 6 phases: Arrival - You’ll be sworn into the RAF and be given a service numberGeneral Service training - You’ll learn about marching, drills, core values and our code of conductInitial Force Protection training - Fighting and survival in a military environmentExercise Blue Warrior - 4 days in the field with real battle conditionsForce development training - Apply your skills in new environments with adventurous training activitiesGraduation - Learn about what’s required in your first post and display your new skills What next?Now you’re a fully-fledged member of the RAF you can receive role specific training. WHAT HAPPENS AFTER APPLYING Joining the RAF as a Reserve takes several steps. Below is an overview of the process. The purpose of this process is for us to gauge whether you’re the right person for the RAF and for you to show us all of your skills and experiences that have made you who you are. 1 Squadron information event 2 Aptitude test 3 Selection interview 4 Health assessment 5 Fitness test 6 Acceptance 7 Training 1 Squadron information event Stage 1 of 7 The first step in the application process invites you to attend a Squadron Information Event, this could be either in person or online. At this event there is an opportunity for you to speak to the squadron of your choice and ask questions. You will get to find out what life is like in the RAF Reserves and learn more about the specialisation you are interested in. 2 Aptitude test Stage 2 of 7 All Reserves take an aptitude test known as the ‘Defence Aptitude Test’ at the local squadron they have applied to, or a local AFCO in some cases. The test ensures we match the right candidate to the right role and consists of seven multiple choice sections focusing on different skills: Verbal reasoning – use and interpretation of written informationNumerical reasoning – ability with basic fractions, decimals and formulaeWork rate – fast and accurate completion of tasksSpatial reasoning – understanding of how shapes and objects workElectrical comprehension – ability to work with electrical conceptsMechanical comprehension – grasp of mechanical concepts 3 Selection interview Stage 3 of 7 Here’s where we get to know you a little better. You’ll get to showcase your skills and experience, and we’ll answer any questions you have about joining us. Your interview will cover the following topics: EducationEmploymentInterest and motivation for joining the RAF ReservesMilitary awareness and Service Knowledge You’ll be asked a series of standard questions, and you’ll be able to ask your own questions during the debrief afterwards. Some roles require a second interview and/ or test to determine your suitability. These are normally conducted over a 1-3 day period at an RAF base where you’ll be able to see, and experience, the kind of environment you’ll be working in. Details about which interviews are relevant for you will be provided during the application process. 4 Health assessment Stage 4 of 7 You’re legally required to meet certain medical standards, and must pass an occupational health assessment to show you’re fit for military duty. As part of this assessment we will check your overall health, focusing on areas like hearing, eyesight and body mass index. We’ll also investigate any past illnesses and screen for health issues that may prevent you from carrying out your role. Please refer to entry requirements below for more information about the health standards you’ll need to meet. 5 Fitness test Stage 5 of 7 A good level of fitness is critical to joining the RAF, it’s also something that must be maintained throughout your career. You’ll need to complete a Pre-Joining Fitness Test (PJFT). This will take place at your nearest AFCO, or at a local gym, and includes a 2.4km run, push up test and a sit-up test. The performance level you’ll need to meet differs by age and gender. Please refer to the entry requirements below for more information about the health standards you’ll need to meet. You can also find help, and a training plan, to assist you in your preparation . 6 Acceptance Stage 6 of 7 If you’ve successfully completed each phase of the application process, you will be invited to attest into the RAF Reserves at your chosen Squadron. 7 Training Stage 7 of 7 Basic Recruit TrainingBasic recruit training takes place at RAF Halton in Buckinghamshire over a 15-day period. This residential course includes an introduction to life in the RAF Reserves, military skills training, drills, field training, and team-building exercises. What’s next?After basic recruit training, you will go on to receive role specific training in your spare time. ENTRY REQUIREMENTS Must be aged between 17.5 and 47 years old (Must attest before 48th birthday).Applicants must also read all of the sections below and make sure they meet all entry requirements before submitting an application. EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS Have these minimum grades: GCSE pre–⁠⁠2017GCSE 2017 OnwardsScottish National 5 English LanguageCGrade 4C Have a Full UK driving license. NATIONALITY & RESIDENCY NATIONALITYYou must be a citizen of the United Kingdom or holder of dual UK/other nationality. RESIDENCYWhether or not you were born in the United Kingdom, you should have resided there for the 5 years immediately preceding your application, but candidates with a minimum of 3 years may be considered. If you have resided abroad for a period due to work or study, you may still be eligible on a case by case basis. Please continue this registration and proceed to your full application. FITNESS REQUIREMENTS You must be physically fit to complete both initial and specialist training, and to do your role effectively. As part of the application process you will need to do the Pre-Joining Fitness Test (PJFT), which takes place at a fitness centre local to you.