The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) has issued a final reminder to potential candidates as the deadline for its latest recruitment drive looms.

Individuals interested in becoming Student Officers have until Wednesday 4th February 2026 to submit their applications, while the window for Custody Detention Officers will remain open until Monday 9th February 2026.

Highlighting the benefits of a career in the force, the PSNI confirmed that new recruits will benefit from extensive training and continuous professional growth, with starting salaries beginning at £35,000.

Chief Constable Jon Boutcher encouraged those interested to take the leap, stating: "There is still time to apply. We don't want anyone to miss this fantastic opportunity. If you want to make a positive change and have ever felt called to support your community, now is the time to apply. We are looking for people with integrity, compassion, and a willingness to learn."

The Chief Constable emphasised the desire for the service to better represent the diverse population of Northern Ireland, noting that no prior experience is required to apply. "There is no other job like it and we want people from all walks of life, from all communities, to join us," he added. "We know many people think about applying and may hesitate, but this is your moment. To the families and friends of anyone thinking of applying, please get behind them and offer support on the first step of their journey. You don't need any previous experience. This is a career that offers purpose, progression and the opportunity to make a difference."

Describing the nature of the role, Chief Constable Boutcher continued: "Being an officer is a challenging, exciting and rewarding career. It is one that you can be enormously proud of. Proud because you can really make a positive difference. We see this everyday through the work of our officers and staff across Northern Ireland who are working tirelessly to protect people, and the communities they serve."

Prospective applicants can find detailed information on the recruitment process and read first-hand accounts from current officers by visiting the official website at www.joinpsni.co.uk/police-officer.