Role guide
Updated 8 September 2026
This guide uses the selection sequence documented by Devon and Cornwall Police as one example for Police Officer candidates in England; applicants should check the current process with their own force. It covers how to prepare for the national sift and the online assessment in that example, while keeping your evidence consistent with your Police Officer CV.
The sequence below is documented by Devon and Cornwall Police for Police Officer candidates in England. Check the current arrangements with the force handling your application.
National sift
Sift
Depends on the employerFor Police Officer candidates applying through the process documented by Devon and Cornwall Police, a national sift may come before the online assessment.
Online assessment
Online assessment
Depends on the employerFor Police Officer candidates in the Devon and Cornwall Police process, the online assessment may contain a competency interview, a written exercise and a briefing exercise.
Applications outside the Devon and Cornwall Police process
The documented sequence should not be assumed to apply. Police Officer candidates should confirm the current stages with the recruiting force.
Start with the job description and your application. Choose truthful examples that make your personal actions easy to follow, then practise explaining the situation, what you did, the result and what you learnt.
The College of Policing's Competency and Values Framework describes three values and six competencies for effective behaviour in policing roles. Recruiting forces should apply it to the specific role rather than use it as a standalone checklist, so prepare against the material supplied for your vacancy.
If your interview is remote, test the equipment and interview link beforehand. Keep only permitted notes nearby and ask the named contact if any instruction is unclear.
For Police Officer roles, the College of Policing framework describes effective behaviour through three values and six competencies. Recruiting forces should apply it in the context of the specific role.
Indeed UK employer guidance suggests exploring why a Police Officer applicant decided to pursue the role, although questions and selection processes vary by police force.
Indeed UK employer guidance suggests exploring a Police Officer applicant's police-related training, education and qualifications; individual forces may take different approaches.
Indeed UK employer guidance suggests asking Police Officer applicants to identify their strengths and explain how those strengths apply to the role, though individual forces may use different questions.
Use the answer plans as prompts, not scripts. Your examples should sound like you.
Use these questions to practise concise, evidence-based answers.
What they want to learn: The interviewer is looking for a clear account of your relevant experience and reasoning.
Evidence to use: Choose a truthful example from your own experience that directly answers this question.
Use these questions to practise concise, evidence-based answers.
What they want to learn: The interviewer is looking for a clear account of your relevant experience and reasoning.
Evidence to use: Choose a truthful example from your own experience that directly answers this question.
Use these questions to practise concise, evidence-based answers.
What they want to learn: The interviewer is looking for a clear account of your relevant experience and reasoning.
Evidence to use: Choose a truthful example from your own experience that directly answers this question.
This helps you understand the immediate focus of the post and what the employer expects from a new officer.
The College of Policing says recruiting forces should apply the framework in the context of the specific role rather than treat it as a standalone checklist.
The answer can clarify how the employer approaches feedback and development.
This gives you a clearer picture of feedback, expectations and review arrangements.
Processes vary, so this lets you confirm the current arrangements directly with the employer.
This gives the panel a chance to revisit an answer before the interview ends.
Treating the Competency and Values Framework as a list of phrases to recite.
The College of Policing says forces should apply the framework to the specific role. Use truthful examples and explain what you personally did.
Giving a long account without making your own contribution clear.
Separate the situation from your actions, then state the result and what you learnt.
Preparing polished claims that you cannot support with a specific example.
Choose experiences you remember well enough to discuss honestly under follow-up questioning.
Assuming every force uses the same selection sequence.
Devon and Cornwall Police documents one sequence, but candidates should verify the current process for their force.
Answering before identifying what the question is asking.
Pause, choose the most relevant example and ask for clarification when needed.
Send a brief, factual thank-you message if you have suitable contact details. Note any information the interviewer promised to provide, and keep your account of the interview for your own review.
If the timetable or next step was unclear, ask the named contact rather than assuming that another force's process applies.
From guide to application
Use cvlift to tailor your CV to the role and bring the most relevant experience forward. Then use this guide to practise the examples behind it.
