Forced to
Relocate Home?
Can a police force force you to move house? Understanding the difference between operational station postings and your right to choose where you live.
Notice: Independent explanatory guidance based on Police Regulations 2003 and Health & Safety legislation.
Executive Summary
No — a police force cannot force you to sell your home or move house.
- Posting: They can transfer your posting area and require you to work anywhere in the force.
- Location: Forces are not required to keep you in a "convenient" location.
- Responsibility: Choice of residence remains yours — and so does the commute.
- Safeguards: Fatigue, welfare, and equality acts still provide limits on unreasonable moves.
Ordered to Move?
A police officer cannot be ordered to relocate their home. But they can be lawfully posted anywhere within the force area — even if that creates a significantly longer commute.
Management cannot compel you to sell property or relocate family.
Management has the power to determine your "place of duty."
Unlike traditional employees, police officers are holders of an office. You serve the force, not a specific station. This gives the Chief Constable broad powers to deploy you where you are needed most.
The Legal Framework
Under Police Regulations 2003, the relationship between an officer and their location is clear:
- 01
Force Appointment
You are appointed to a force, not to a specific town, borough, or CID office.
- 02
Place of Duty
The Chief Constable has authority to determine place of duty and assign postings operationally.
When you join policing, you swear to serve within a police force. There is no regulation granting a right to a specific station or area of the county.
What They CAN Do
- Transfer you to another station within the force territory.
- Move you from a rural post to an urban HQ (or vice-versa).
- Change your team, division, or operational shift pattern.
- Permanently relocate your posting even if it extends your commute.
What They CANNOT Do
- Order you to sell your house or terminate a tenancy.
- Require your family to relocate their lives.
- Discipline you for living outside your division.
- Impose residency requirements unless formally specified in policy.
Distance & "Reasonable" Travel
There is no technical "maximum commute" set within the Police Regulations. However, Health & Safety law and Duty of Care obligations provide a safety net.
If travel + shift creates an unsafe sleep deficit.
Significant personal/family impact must be assessed.
Travel must not prevent minimum rest periods.
Management must consider whether a move creates an unmanageable fatigue risk, especially when combined with 12-hour shifts or late-night finishes.
Equality & Caring Responsibilities
Under the Equality Act 2010, forces have a legal obligation to consider personal circumstances that fall under protected characteristics.
Flexible Working (FWA)
If a move makes an existing childcare or caring FWA unworkable, it may be challengeable as indirect discrimination.
Disability & Adjustment
Reasonable adjustments for medical conditions or disabilities must be factored into any proposed relocation of posting.
Practical Scenarios
Rural to City HQ Move
An officer lives in the rural north of a large county. They are moved to city HQ which is 90 minutes away.
Threatened with Relocation
A supervisor says, "You live too far away to be effective on this team. Move closer to the station or face disciplinary consequences."
The Childcare Breach
An officer has a formal Flexible Working Agreement for childcare. They are moved to a station that adds 2 hours to their commute, making the FWA impossible.
The Financial Reality
Unless you are part of a specific promotion bonus, specialist unit agreement, or a major force merger/reform scheme, forces are generally not required to provide financial assistance for travel or relocation.
Commuting
Expenses are not covered for standard travel to your place of duty.
Relocation Costs
Selling/buying costs are personal liabilities unless part of a specific scheme.
Compensation
No general right to compensation for a longer commute resulting from a move.
Common Questions
Can police force you to move house?
No. A police force cannot force you to sell your home or relocate your family. Residence choice is a personal matter for the officer.
Can they post you anywhere in the force?
Yes. Under Police Regulations 2003, you are appointed to a force, not a specific station. The Chief Constable has the authority to determine your place of duty anywhere within the force area.
Is there a maximum commute rule?
There is no specific regulation that sets a maximum commute distance or time. However, Health & Safety law and fatigue risk must be considered by the force if a move creates an unsafe travel requirement.
Do they have to pay relocation costs?
Not usually. Relocation assistance is typically only provided as part of a formal promotion package, specific specialist unit agreements, or large-scale structural reform schemes.
Independent regulation-based guidance. Posting and travel arrangements are subject to local force policy and individual welfare assessments. This guide does not constitute legal advice. If you believe a transfer order is unsafe or discriminatory, you should seek immediate representation from your local Police Federation branch.