PSNI launches a drive for student officers and staff who ‘want to make a difference’

Launched today (January 14), the multi-faceted advertising campaign, that includes broadcast and print media, and across social and digital platforms, will run for three weeks. It is aimed at attracting new student officer recruits for the 22-week training programme.

Chief Constable Jon Boutcher says he wants the PSNI to be seen as an “employer of choice” and be “representative of the community we serve”.

“Policing is more than a job, it is a chance to work with and for communities across Northern Ireland and make a meaningful difference every single day,” he said.

“We’re looking for individuals who care about their communities, who want to work with them to help others, and who are ready to step into roles that truly matter.”

Mr Boutcher added: “New recruits will receive comprehensive training, and ongoing professional development, with a starting salary of £35,000.

“There is no other job like it and we want people from all walks of life, from all communities, to join us.”

The application process for student officer recruitment will close on Wednesday February 4 2026 and custody detention officers on Monday February 9.

“These are fantastic opportunities for anyone who is interested in joining the Police Service and, over the next few weeks, you will see and hear our advertisements,” said Mr Boutcher.

“We’ll be undertaking a range of outreach and engagement activities in the coming weeks to encourage people from all communities, particularly those currently under-represented within the Service, to apply for a career in policing.”

The PSNI is encouraging applicants from all backgrounds, identities, and experiences, reinforcing its commitment to a police service that reflects the diversity of Northern Ireland.

Mr Boutcher adds: “If you have integrity, compassion, and a willingness to learn, and if you want to make positive change for your community and across Northern Ireland, apply to join the Police Service, which is, having been a police officer for over 40 years, the best police service in the world.

“Our officers listen, support, protect, and they build relationships with communities that can change lives. If you want a career with purpose, where every day is different and every action counts, we encourage you to apply.”

The Police Federation for Northern Ireland (PFNI) says the latest PSNI recruitment drive is the start of a re-building process that has the capability to deliver “tangible change” over time.

PFNI Chair Liam Kelly said: “This Federation welcomes this important first step to bring officer numbers up to the 7,000 by 2028 as outlined in the Chief Constable’s Recovery Plan.

“Currently, we have 6,266 officers who include 231 student officers. This figure remains dangerously low and unsustainable for both our workforce and the public we serve.

“Therefore, this latest recruitment effort is all about the much needed re-building and restoration of police officer numbers. Year 1 of the Recovery Plan nears completion with a more significant uplift in officer numbers planned for Years 2 and 3. This will require ongoing additional funding from the Executive to ensure that PSNI officer numbers can continue to grow.

“Being a police officer offers the individual with the opportunity to make a difference in the community. It is a rewarding, varied but challenging career. We’re now taking the first meaningful steps on the road to recovery. Joining and being part of Team PSNI has this Federation’s full backing.”

Supporting the latest recruitment drive, Northern Ireland Policing Board chair Mukesh Sharma said: “Policing offers an attractive and rewarding career choice with opportunities for ongoing professional qualifications, training and development, as well as promotion and progression.  It is an exciting career and one where no two days will ever be the same. It is a career that has the ability to make a really positive difference to the safety of our community.

“As a Board we want policing to be fully reflective and representative of the diversity of the community it serves. We encourage and support people from all walks of life and backgrounds to apply for this latest campaign, and make policing their career of choice.”

Welcoming the launch of the student officer recruitment campaign, Justice Minister Naomi Long said: “The PSNI workforce recovery has been one of my key priorities and I welcome the PSNI’s recruitment campaign. Today’s launch, and the funding that has been delivered on a commitment to increase police officer numbers, provides a rewarding opportunity for a career in policing. If you want to make a positive difference in your community, policing could be for you and I would encourage you to apply.”