How To Join
Thames Valley Police
Thames Valley Police covers Berkshire, Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire with about 5,085 full-time equivalent officers, the fifth largest force in England and Wales and the largest non-metropolitan force. It was recruiting on three routes in October 2026, pays a South East Allowance on top of the national scale and has two rules that catch applicants out: a provisional offer before the interview and a 40-mile home location rule. This guide takes each step in order from the force's own careers site, read on 21 October 2026.
Independent information, not advice · Sources checked 21 October 2026 · England and Wales unless stated
Apply on tvpcareers.co.uk for an open route (PCEP, the PCDA and the professional policing degree route were open on 21 October 2026). Pass the National Sift (about an hour) and the online assessment centre (about three hours), then receive a provisional offer and attend Thames Valley's interview. Pre-employment checks follow: the bleep test to 5.4, a medical, references and vetting. You need a full UK licence (manual or automatic) and to live within 40 road miles of two main stations by the formal offer. It typically takes six to nine months. New constables start on about £35,360 including the South East Allowance.
Is Thames Valley Police recruiting in 2026?
Yes. When we read Thames Valley's careers site on 21 October 2026, three of its four constable routes showed the line "We are now accepting applications for this entry route" with an apply button: PCEP, the PCDA and the professional policing degree route. The detective route page had no apply button. The College of Policing's national route lists, read the same day, agree on those three and add the rejoiner route.
- Recruiting: PCEP, the degree apprenticeship (PCDA), the professional policing degree route and rejoiners.
- Not recruiting when checked: the detective constable entry programme and the degree holder (DHEP) route.
Our Thames Valley police jobs page holds the force's own-site reading and our job board tracker alongside the national list, each with its date. Routes can close at short notice, so check the careers site on the day you apply.
In the year to 31 March 2026 about 429 full-time equivalent officers joined Thames Valley and about 298 left, including about 237 resignations. Expensive housing in the Thames Valley is part of why the South East Allowance exists. A force replacing that many leavers has good reason to keep several routes open.
Recruitment window alerts
Tell me when Thames Valley opens or closes a route
Choose up to three forces. We will email you when we see one of them open or close a constable route on its own site or the national list. Occasional emails, written by hand.
Thames Valley entry routes
Thames Valley lists four routes for new constables. All of them include about 10 weeks of coached patrol with a tutor after the initial training, then work-based learning at your base station (10 to 14 weeks of coached patrol on the detective route).
| Route | What it is | Status |
|---|---|---|
| PCEP (Police Constable Entry Programme) | 2 years; 24 weeks' initial training. Degree and non-degree holders. Thames Valley calls it the main entry route, chosen by 80% of new joiners. | Accepting applications |
| PCDA (Police Constable Degree Apprenticeship) | 3 years; 21 weeks' initial training; leads to a Level 6 BSc in Professional Policing Practice. | Accepting applications |
| Professional Policing Degree (PPD) route | 2 years; 14 weeks' initial training. For holders of the pre-join degree, or students in its second or final year. | Accepting applications |
| DCEP (Detective Constable Entry Programme) | 2 years; 24 weeks' initial training. Degree and non-degree holders. | No apply button on the page when we read it |
| Rejoiner | For former officers returning. | Listed on the national rejoiner list |
| Degree holder (DHEP) | The two-year graduate programme some forces run. | Not offered: Thames Valley is under "recruiting soon" on the national degree holder list |
Which one fits you?
- No degree and you do not want one, or you are a graduate who wants to get going: PCEP. It is open to degree and non-degree holders and Thames Valley's PCEP adverts say it has no academic assessment or accreditation. Read the PCEP explained.
- You want a funded degree while you train: the PCDA, three years leading to a BSc in Professional Policing Practice. You need maths GCSE as well as English. Read the PCDA explained.
- You already hold, or are finishing, the professional policing degree: the PPD route, with the shortest initial training (14 weeks). Read the pre-join degree explained.
- You want to start as a detective: the DCEP, when it reopens. See detective entry interview questions.
Thames Valley says all its officers receive the same salary and opportunities whichever route they take. Not sure? The free entry route quiz shows the routes that fit you and the forces open on each.
Who can apply to Thames Valley Police
These are the rules on Thames Valley's police officer page, read on 21 October 2026.
- Age. At least 17 when you apply and 18 by your first day in the role. No upper age limit. Read police age limits.
- Nationality and status. British citizens, EU or EEA nationals and Commonwealth citizens. Foreign nationals need indefinite leave to remain, or pre-settled or settled status, with no restrictions on their stay. The PCDA cannot accept pre-settled status because of national apprenticeship funding rules.
- Residence. You must have been resident in the UK for the last three years. Read police nationality and residency rules.
- Driving licence. A full UK driving licence, manual or automatic, by the time of the formal offer. Thames Valley announced in February 2026 that it would accept automatic licences; its careers page now says so. Read do you need a driving licence to join the police?
- Where you live. Within 40 road miles and a one-hour commute of two main police stations before a formal offer (see the next section).
- Criminal record. You must not have served time in prison or youth detention. A conviction may lead to rejection; Thames Valley considers the date and nature of the offence and evidence of good character since. Read can I join the police with a criminal record?
- Tattoos and piercings. None that could cause offence. Read police tattoo and appearance rules.
- Automatic disqualification. You must not have done anything that automatically disqualifies you from appointment; Thames Valley links a July 2026 version of the list.
| Route | What you need |
|---|---|
| PCEP and DCEP | English GCSE at grade 4 (C) or above, or Level 2 equivalent; plus two A levels (A to E) or equivalent, or relevant professional experience (at least a year is encouraged; assessed case by case) |
| PCDA | As PCEP, plus maths GCSE at grade 4 (C) or above, or Level 2 equivalent |
| Professional Policing Degree route | English GCSE at grade 4 (C) or above, plus the Level 6 professional policing degree, or being in its second or final year |
The 40-mile rule: where you must live
Thames Valley asks that before a formal offer you live within 40 road miles and a one-hour commute of two of its main police stations. It adds that flexibility is expected, because postings follow the needs of the force and may not be in your preferred area.
- It is checked before the formal offer, not the application. You can apply from further away, but you must be living within range by the time of the formal offer.
- "Two" stations matters. Living close to one station on the edge of the force area may not be enough. Check the distance to more than one station with a route planner.
- Cost of moving. Housing near Reading, Oxford, Milton Keynes and Slough is expensive. The South East Allowance helps but does not close the gap with cheaper regions. Compare with the regional affordability comparator.
Thames Valley does not publish which stations count as "main" police stations on the page we read; ask the recruitment team if you are near the limit.
The Thames Valley recruitment process: seven steps
Steps 2 and 3 are the national process every force in England and Wales now uses for new constables. Since 17 March 2026 the law requires a pass at the National Sift, a pass at the online assessment process, an in-person interview with the force and the force's other checks (Police Regulations 2003, reg 10(1)(eb), inserted by SI 2026/154). Thames Valley's seven steps are:
| Step | What happens | Run by | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Application, including proof of eligibility | Thames Valley | The force recommends a PC or laptop |
| 2 | Online assessment (National Sift): SJT and behavioural styles questionnaire | College of Policing | About 1 hour; then an eligibility check by the recruitment team |
| 3 | Online assessment centre: interview, written exercise and briefing exercise | College of Policing | About 3 hours in total; the exercises can be taken separately |
| 4 | Provisional offer | Thames Valley | Unusually early: before the interview |
| 5 | Interview | Thames Valley | The in-person force interview every constable applicant must pass |
| 6 | Pre-employment checks: fitness test, medical, references and vetting | Thames Valley | The 40-mile rule must be met before a formal offer |
| 7 | Formal offer and start date | Thames Valley | Typically six to nine months after applying |
Step 1: the application
You apply on tvpcareers.co.uk for a route, with proof of eligibility. Thames Valley recommends a PC or laptop rather than a phone for the form. Be complete and consistent: what you write here is checked again at vetting.
- Have five years of addresses with dates to hand, plus any time abroad.
- Check the route's education rules and, for the PCDA, your immigration status.
- Declare everything the form asks about, including cautions and fixed penalties where the question covers them.
- If you need adjustments for the online tests, say so now. See OAC technical requirements and adjustments.
Our police application form guide covers each section.
Step 2: the National Sift
Thames Valley calls this the online assessment and says it takes about an hour. It has two parts: a situational judgement test (SJT), where you rate possible responses to work scenarios, then a behavioural styles questionnaire (BSQ). If you pass, Thames Valley's recruitment team checks your eligibility before inviting you to the online assessment centre.
Start with the National Sift explained and how it is scored. Then read how to pass the National Sift and work through our SJT example questions with answers.
Want every stage covered in one payment? The Complete Candidate Journey (£99.99) includes the National Sift Prep Pass (£19.99 on its own), the online assessment and interview toolkit, the vetting readiness report and the Fitness Pass Suite. It is optional: the free practice above is enough to see whether you need it.
Step 3: the online assessment centre
Thames Valley says the online assessment centre takes about three hours and that you receive and can take the written and briefing exercises separately. You can use any internet-enabled device with a camera, but Thames Valley warns that Internet Explorer and Safari are not supported. The three exercises:
- A competency-based interview: questions about how you dealt with specific situations in the past, using examples from work or personal life. See the OAC interview explained.
- A written assessment: as a police constable you complete an urgent written task for your line manager, using four items of information. See the written exercise explained and written exercise examples.
- A briefing exercise: you answer questions about issues you are responsible for, with preparation materials first. See the briefing exercise explained.
Thames Valley's page does not cover resits or results timing; it points to the College's candidate FAQ. Our guide what happens if you fail the OAC covers the College's rules. Check your readiness first with the free OAC readiness check.
Step 4: the provisional offer
Thames Valley lists a provisional offer as step 4, straight after the online assessment centre and before its own interview. Most forces put the offer after the interview. A provisional offer is conditional: you still have to pass the interview and every pre-employment check and meet the 40-mile rule and licence rule before the formal offer.
A provisional offer is not a job. Wait for the formal offer and a start date before resigning from your current job, because vetting and medical checks can still stop or delay an appointment.
Step 5: the Thames Valley interview
Thames Valley's step 5 is its own interview. This is the in-person force interview every constable applicant who is not a transferee must now pass by law. Thames Valley's careers page does not describe the format, length or panel.
What to prepare, given the law and the CVF that every force uses:
- Why Thames Valley and why this part of the country: the force will want to know you understand its area.
- Real examples of the three CVF values (courage; respect and empathy; public service).
- Examples of the six competencies, especially "we take ownership", "we are collaborative" and "we are emotionally aware".
- How you would cope with shift work and being posted where the force needs you.
Practise with CVF interview questions, why do you want to join the police and the in-person police interview explained. These are original PolicePay practice material: Thames Valley does not publish its questions. For what other forces say about their final stage, see which police forces have a final interview.
Step 6: fitness, medical, references and vetting
Thames Valley groups four checks as pre-employment checks:
- Fitness test: the 15 metre multi-stage shuttle run to level 5.4, the national standard. Read how to train for level 5.4 and try the free 15m bleep test simulator.
- Medical: occupational health, eyesight and hearing. Read the police medical explained.
- References: employment and character references covering recent years. Tell your referees to expect a request.
- Vetting: you, your family and associates, your finances and your online presence. Read how long police vetting takes and social media checks.
The free vetting evidence builder lets you describe your own circumstances and see which areas a vetting officer is likely to ask about.
How long it takes to join Thames Valley Police
Thames Valley says it typically takes six to nine months from initial application to start date. The force gives the length of the two online stages but not of the waits between them:
| Step | Thames Valley's figure |
|---|---|
| National Sift | About 1 hour to complete |
| Online assessment centre | About 3 hours to complete |
| Initial training after you start | 14 to 24 weeks depending on the route |
| Coached patrol after initial training | About 10 weeks (10 to 14 on the detective route) |
| Whole process, application to start | Typically six to nine months |
Plan your own dates with the free recruitment timeline planner and read how long police recruitment takes.
Training at Sulhamstead and Kidlington
Thames Valley's main training centre is at Sulhamstead in Berkshire, with training also held at its Headquarters North in Kidlington, Oxfordshire. Foundation training runs for 14 to 24 weeks depending on the route:
| Route | Programme length | Initial training |
|---|---|---|
| PCEP | 2 years | 24 weeks |
| PCDA | 3 years | 21 weeks, alongside a BSc in Professional Policing Practice |
| Professional Policing Degree route | 2 years | 14 weeks |
| DCEP | 2 years | 24 weeks |
After the classroom phase comes about 10 weeks of coached patrol with a tutor, then work-based learning at your base station. You are a sworn constable, paid from the first day of training, including the South East Allowance. More on what training is like: police training: what to expect and the shift work survival guide.
Thames Valley Police pay and the South East Allowance
Police pay in England and Wales rose by 3.5% from 1 September 2026 (HCWS264). Thames Valley pays the national constable scale from point 1 plus a South East Allowance of £3,105. Its 1 September 2026 pay post says starting salaries rose to £35,359 "inclusive of a £3,105 South East allowance", paid "from their first day of training" (Thames Valley careers). Our figure is £35,360; the £1 or £2 differences come from how point 1 is rounded.
| Pay point | Basic salary | With South East Allowance | Take-home a month (estimate) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 (where Thames Valley starts new constables) | £32,255 | £35,360 | £2,138 |
| 2 | £33,609 | £36,714 | £2,208 |
| 3 | £34,972 | £38,077 | £2,278 |
| 4 | £36,335 | £39,440 | £2,348 |
| 5 | £39,058 | £42,163 | £2,462 |
| 6 | £44,544 | £47,649 | £2,740 |
| 7 | £52,015 | £55,120 | £3,143 |
- South East Allowance: up to £3,105 a year. It is a maximum set nationally that forces can pay; Thames Valley says it pays the full amount to new recruits. It is not pensionable.
- Progression: one point a year on the anniversary of appointment, subject to satisfactory performance. Point 7 is £55,120 with the allowance, which is the force's "in excess of £55,000 after seven years".
- Veterans: eligible service leavers get a one-off £2,500 military resettlement payment in their first month's pay.
- Overtime and unsocial hours: paid on top at national rates. See police overtime rates explained.
- Promotion: sergeant pay starts at £55,443 basic on the national scale, plus the allowance. See police ranks.
The full scale is on our Thames Valley Police pay page.
Take-home pay as a new Thames Valley constable
The estimate below uses 2026/27 tax and National Insurance, with the police pension contribution charged on basic pay only, because the South East Allowance is not pensionable.
| Item | Amount a year |
|---|---|
| Gross pay (point 1 + South East Allowance) | £35,360 |
| Pensionable pay (point 1) | £32,255 |
| Pension contribution (12.88%) | £4,154 |
| Income tax | £3,727 |
| National Insurance | £1,823 |
| Take-home a year | £25,655 |
| Take-home a month | £2,138 |
A student loan, a different tax code or salary sacrifice would change these figures. For your own numbers use the police salary calculator, or compare Thames Valley with any other force in the free starting pay by force tool.
Thames Valley compared with other forces
Base pay is the same national scale across England and Wales. What differs is the start point and allowances:
- The Met starts recruits on point 2 and adds London Weighting and the London Allowance. See how to join the Met.
- Other South East forces pay the same £3,105 allowance (for example Kent, Essex, Surrey and Hertfordshire), while Bedfordshire, Hampshire and Sussex pay a lower rate. Some forces have been reported as paying below the maximum, so check each force's advert.
- West Midlands, Greater Manchester and West Yorkshire pay the national scale with no allowance, but housing costs less. See West Midlands, GMP and West Yorkshire.
Compare after housing costs with the regional affordability comparator and see every South East force on police jobs in the South East.
Thames Valley Police in numbers
Home Office workforce statistics for 31 March 2026 (published 22 July 2026):
| Measure | Figure |
|---|---|
| Police officers (full-time equivalent) | 5,085 |
| Size rank among the 43 forces of England and Wales (officer FTE) | 5 |
| Officers joining in the year to 31 March 2026 (FTE, excluding transfers) | 429 |
| Officers leaving in the year (FTE, excluding transfers) | 298 |
| Of which resignations (FTE) | 237 |
| Transfers in / out (FTE) | 29 / 50 |
| Special constables (headcount) | 185 |
More officers transferred out of Thames Valley than in during the year, which is common for South East forces near London. For the national picture see our police workforce statistics.
A preparation plan for Thames Valley
Work backwards from the seven steps and the six to nine months the force quotes:
| When | What to do | Free help on PolicePay |
|---|---|---|
| Before applying | Check the education rule for your route, your status (PCDA) and the 40-mile rule; gather five years of addresses | CVF explained |
| Week 1 to 2 | Practise situational judgement scenarios before the sift invitation arrives | SJT practice |
| After the sift | Write six to eight STAR examples and practise the written and briefing exercises | STAR answer checker |
| After the provisional offer | Practise the force interview out loud; prepare why Thames Valley | Mock interview |
| Throughout | Train to level 5.4 on a 15 metre course; book a driving test if you need one | Bleep test training plan |
| Before vetting | Collect documents, warn referees, settle what you can and be ready to explain the rest | Vetting evidence builder |
Two interviews (the recorded one and the force interview) reward repetition. The free mock interview gives you scored answers each day; the 90-day Mock Interview Pass (£39.99) adds the full critique and a model rewrite for every answer if you want it.
Rejoiners, veterans, transferees and specials
- Rejoiners. Thames Valley was on the national rejoiner list on 21 October 2026. Read rejoining the police.
- Veterans. The £2,500 military resettlement payment applies to eligible service leavers on any route.
- Transferees. Serving officers move forces on the transferee route without the National Sift or OAC. See forces recruiting transferees.
- Special constables. Thames Valley had 185 specials at 31 March 2026. Its published specials expenses rates are on our specials hours guide. See the special constable guide.
Common mistakes Thames Valley applicants make
- Treating the provisional offer as the job. The interview and every check still come after it.
- Ignoring the 40-mile rule. If you will need to move, plan the move and its cost before the formal offer.
- Applying for the PCDA with pre-settled status. Thames Valley cannot accept it on that route; PCEP can.
- Assuming you need a manual licence. Automatic licences are accepted, but you need a full licence by the formal offer, so start lessons early if you have none.
- Using Safari or Internet Explorer for the online assessment. Thames Valley says neither is supported.
- Leaving fitness until the checks. A fail at step 6 delays your start.
More in police interview mistakes to avoid and common vetting mistakes.
What we could not verify
Thames Valley's careers site was readable on 21 October 2026, but some details are not on it:
- The format, length and panel of Thames Valley's step 5 interview.
- Which police stations count as "main" stations for the 40-mile rule.
- When the Detective Constable Entry Programme will reopen.
- Which university now delivers Thames Valley's PCDA degree.
- The exact rule for resitting the sift or online assessment with Thames Valley (the force points to the College's FAQ).
- How long each wait between steps typically takes, beyond the six to nine months overall.
If you can see a current Thames Valley page that says otherwise, the force's page wins.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Thames Valley Police recruiting now?
Yes. On 21 October 2026 Thames Valley's careers site said it was accepting applications for three routes: the Police Constable Entry Programme (PCEP), the Police Constable Degree Apprenticeship (PCDA) and the Professional Policing Degree route. The Detective Constable Entry Programme page had no apply button. The College of Policing's national lists on the same day showed Thames Valley recruiting on the apprenticeship, PCEP, rejoiner and professional policing degree holder routes.
What is the starting salary at Thames Valley Police?
About £35,360 a year: pay point 1 of the national scale (£32,255 from 1 September 2026) plus a South East Allowance of £3,105. Thames Valley's own figures are £35,359 (its 1 September 2026 pay post) and £35,361 (its police officer page); the £1 differences are rounding. The allowance is paid from the first day of training. After tax, National Insurance and pension that is roughly £2,138 a month.
Can I join Thames Valley Police with an automatic driving licence?
Yes. Thames Valley's police officer page (read 21 October 2026) says you must hold a full UK driving licence, manual or automatic, by the time of the formal offer. You do not need it when you apply.
What is the Thames Valley Police 40-mile rule?
Before a formal offer you must live within 40 road miles and a one-hour commute of two of Thames Valley's main police stations. The force also says postings follow organisational need, so you may be posted away from your preferred area. If you live further away, you would need to move before the formal offer.
How long does it take to join Thames Valley Police?
Thames Valley says the process typically takes six to nine months from application to start date. The National Sift takes about an hour and the online assessment centre about three hours; most of the time goes on waiting for results, the interview, the fitness test, medical, references and vetting.
Is there an interview to join Thames Valley Police?
Yes, two. The national online assessment centre includes a recorded competency-based interview. Then Thames Valley holds its own interview as step 5, after a provisional offer. Since 17 March 2026 every constable applicant in England and Wales who is not a transferee must pass an in-person interview with the force (Police Regulations 2003, reg 10(1)(eb)). Thames Valley does not publish the format.
Is there an upper age limit for Thames Valley Police?
No. You must be at least 17 when you apply and 18 by your first day in the role. Thames Valley says there is no upper age limit.
What qualifications do I need to join Thames Valley Police?
For PCEP and the detective route: English GCSE at grade 4 (C) or above or a Level 2 equivalent, plus two A levels (A to E) or equivalent, or relevant professional experience instead of A levels. For the PCDA you also need maths GCSE at grade 4 (C) or above. For the professional policing degree route you need English GCSE and the Level 6 professional policing degree, or to be in its second or final year.
Can I join Thames Valley Police with pre-settled status?
For PCEP, the detective route and the professional policing degree route, Thames Valley accepts indefinite leave to remain or pre-settled or settled status with no restrictions on your stay. For the PCDA it cannot accept pre-settled status, because of national apprenticeship funding rules. You must also have lived in the UK for the last three years.
Where do Thames Valley Police recruits train?
Thames Valley's main training centre is at Sulhamstead in Berkshire, with training also held at its Headquarters North in Kidlington, Oxfordshire. Initial training runs from 14 to 24 weeks depending on the route, followed by about 10 weeks of coached patrol with a tutor and then work-based learning at your base station.
Do Thames Valley detective recruits earn the same as PCEP recruits?
Yes. Thames Valley says all its police officers receive the same salary and opportunities whichever route they join through.
Sources and how we checked them
Every factual claim on this page was written from the sources below, read on 21 October 2026. Rules and figures change, so check the source for the date you are reading this. Where we could not confirm something from an official or independent source, the page says so rather than guessing. Spotted something out of date? See our corrections policy.
- Thames Valley Police careers: police officer (read 21 October 2026) : routes and status; initial training lengths; 10 weeks' coached patrol; the seven steps; six to nine months; eligibility (age, nationality, PCDA and pre-settled status, three years' UK residence, licence manual or automatic by formal offer, 40 road miles and one-hour commute, prison, tattoos); education by route; £35,361 including £3,105; over £55,000 after seven years; £2,500 resettlement payment for veterans; same salary on every route (accessed 21 October 2026)
- Thames Valley Police careers: updated pay scales effective 1 September 2026 : constable and detective constable starting salary £35,359 including a £3,105 South East allowance, paid from the first day of training; over £55,000 after seven years (accessed 21 October 2026)
- Thames Valley Police careers: National Sift and online assessment centre (read 21 October 2026) : two-part sift; eligibility check after the sift; OAC interview, written assessment with four items of information, briefing exercise; any device with a camera; unsupported browsers (accessed 21 October 2026)
- Thames Valley Police careers: foundation training for student police officers : main training centre at Sulhamstead; training also at Headquarters North, Kidlington; 14 to 24 weeks by route (accessed 21 October 2026)
- Thames Valley Police careers: new student police officer entry routes : background to the PCEP and the other routes (accessed 21 October 2026)
- College of Policing: forces recruiting via PCEP (read 21 October 2026) : Thames Valley listed as recruiting; available routes shown as apprenticeship, PCEP, rejoiner and professional policing degree holder (accessed 21 October 2026)
- College of Policing: forces recruiting via the apprenticeship route (read 21 October 2026) : Thames Valley listed as recruiting (accessed 21 October 2026)
- College of Policing: forces recruiting via the professional policing degree holder route (read 21 October 2026) : Thames Valley listed as recruiting (accessed 21 October 2026)
- College of Policing: forces recruiting via the rejoiner route (read 21 October 2026) : Thames Valley listed as recruiting (accessed 21 October 2026)
- College of Policing: forces recruiting via the degree holder route (read 21 October 2026) : Thames Valley under "recruiting soon" (accessed 21 October 2026)
- Police Regulations 2003, regulation 10 (legislation.gov.uk) : reg 10(1)(eb): the four recruitment stages for constables, including an in-person force interview (accessed 21 October 2026)
- The Police (Amendment) (Recruitment Standards) Regulations 2026 (SI 2026/154) : inserted reg 10(1)(eb) from 17 March 2026 (accessed 21 October 2026)
- Written ministerial statement HCWS264, police pay 2026/27 (15 July 2026) : the 3.5% award from 1 September 2026 behind the pay figures (accessed 21 October 2026)
- Home Office: Police workforce, England and Wales, 31 March 2026 (22 July 2026) : Thames Valley officer numbers, joiners, leavers, resignations, transfers and specials (via src/data/police-workforce-2026.ts) (accessed 21 October 2026)
On this topic elsewhere
More in this guide series
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Disclaimer
PolicePay.co.uk is an independent guide. It is not affiliated with any police force, the College of Policing or the Home Office and it does not recruit, vet or assess applicants. Each force sets its own recruitment windows, local stages and eligibility details and changes them between campaigns: check the force's own recruitment pages and your invitation before relying on anything here. Practice material on this site is original PolicePay material, not questions used by any force. Details are as checked on 21 October 2026.