Job Introduction
Are you interested in a new challenge or continuing your policing career post-retirement? Look no further!
Detective Superintendent Glen Alderson said "Joining the British Transport Police means becoming a specialist. We hold a deep commitment to the railway network and its passengers, consistently striving for excellence and driven by our dedication to integrity. Protecting every aspect of the Great British Railway fills us with pride."
Ready for your next Armed Policing challenge?
British Transport Police is recruiting experienced Armed Policing Officers to join our Specialist Operations teams. Protecting one of the UK's most critical national infrastructures, you'll deliver an overt armed presence across the rail network, support counter-terrorism operations, and respond to spontaneous firearms incidents. As a nationally trained ARV officer, you'll work in a dynamic environment where your expertise directly contributes to keeping millions of passengers safe every day. If you're currently serving in an armed policing role, or have recently served in one, and are looking for a rewarding opportunity to utilise your skills in a unique operational setting, we'd like to hear from you.
Where are we recruiting?
- We are recruiting to our three Armed Policing hubs in Birmingham, London and Manchester.
In return for your commitment, you will receive:
- Transfer of pay and annual leave benefits
- Access to excellent development opportunities
- Geographical flexibility, as the only national police force
- Improved work-life balance
Are you eligible?
- We welcome applications from current or previous serving Officers from Home Office forces only.
- Applicants must have completed their full probationary period and substantive in the role of constable.
- Re-joiners must apply within 5 years of exit form their previous force having resigned or retired.
- Applicants must be currently serving in an armed policing capacity or have served in an armed capacity within 12 months*
- Applicants must have served a minimum of 12 months in your current role if you have previously transferred from a force from which we do not accept transferees (MOD/CNC)
- Applicants must have lived in the UK for 5 consecutive years prior to application.
- We do not accept applications from those who have previously been dismissed from another force.
- Applicants must not be currently subject to any unsatisfactory performance reviews/ action plans or live warnings. We are unable to vet someone who is currently under investigation at their current Force therefore we would ask you to apply to BTP once the matter is resolved.
- Hold a full driving licence for at least 2 years (six or less DVLA points and no blameworthy PVI incidents for 3 years).
- Advanced Driver qualified or willing to undertake within 6 months
*Please be advised if you are applying as a re-joiner your start date must fall within 12months of your last date in service as an Operational Armed Policing Officer. Please contact recruitment prior to application to check future course dates.
Want to apply?
The recruitment process is simple! Please select the ‘apply’ button below where you will be directed to our application form. The closing date for all applications is 30th July 2026 at 23.59 hours.
For more information, please see below our recruitment pack which offers vital information on pay, pensions and eligibility as well as the recruitment process and other FAQs. The recruitment team also welcome any questions via email on Recruitmentteam@btp.police.uk. If you would like to speak to a member of the recruitment team please leave your name and number on your email and we will contact you as soon as possible.
Inclusion and Diversity:
We are committed to building a workforce where everyone feels they belong.
We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, identities and lived experiences. Diversity strengthens our teams, improves our services and helps us better represent and support the communities we serve.
We are proud to be an inclusive employer and strive to create a workplace that is fair, respectful and accessible to all. We actively work to challenge discrimination, remove barriers and ensure equity throughout our recruitment and employment practices.
If you need any reasonable adjustments during the recruitment or selection process, please let us know - we are happy to support you. Your talent, your potential, and your unique perspective matter here.
Use of AI!
AI can be a useful tool to spark ideas or help you organise your thoughts, but when it comes to your application, we want to hear from you, not an algorithm. What truly stands out to us are genuine stories, personal insights and the experiences that have shaped who you are. Authenticity matters - it helps us understand your motivations, your strengths and how you’ll contribute to our team. So, use AI if it helps you get started, but let your own voice lead the way.
