The Short Answer
Yes, you can join with a caution, but it is not guaranteed. You must declare it, even if it is "spent" for other jobs. Cautions for dishonesty or violence are likely to lead to rejection, whereas minor public order offences from your youth may be accepted.
The "Exempt" Rule
The Rehabilitation of Offenders Act normally allows you to hide "spent" convictions. However, Police Vetting is EXEMPT from this act.
Nothing is hidden
Cautions vs Convictions
Possibly Accepted
- • Minor Criminal Damage (e.g. broken window aged 15)
- • Drunk & Disorderly (Single offence)
- • Speeding / Traffic offences (minor)
- • Possession of Cannabis (Simple caution, historic)
Likely Rejected
- • Theft / Shoplifting (Dishonesty)
- • Fraud
- • ABH / GBH (Violence)
- • Drink Driving (Within last 5 years)
Juvenile Offences (Under 18s)
Forces understand that teenagers make mistakes. A Reprimand or Final Warning you received when you were 13 is viewed differently to a Caution you received when you were 25.
If you have shown demonstrable good character since the event (e.g., years of clean record, employment, volunteering), you have a strong chance.
Arrests & NFA (No Further Action)
If you were arrested but released with "No Further Action", you still need to declare it.
Why? The vetting officer will read the case file. If the file says "Suspect clearly did it but CCTV was lost", they might still reject you on character grounds. If it says "Proven innocence", you are fine.
What to declare
- Simple Cautions
- Conditional Cautions
- Fixed Penalty Notices (for disorder/theft)
- Arrests (NFA)
- Speeding Points / Traffic Bans
Vetting Impact Checker
Check your specific offence.
Application Considerations
Assess your overall eligibility.
Explore Related Guides
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a caution disappear after 5 years?
For standard jobs, yes. But for the police, NO. Vetting is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act. You must declare all cautions, even from 20 years ago.
Can I join with a simple caution?
Yes, it is possible, but not guaranteed. It depends on the offence type, how long ago it was, and your age at the time. A caution for violence or dishonesty is harder to explain than a caution for criminal damage as a teen.
What about a reprimand from when I was 14?
Youth reprimands and final warnings must be declared. However, forces are generally more lenient with minor offences committed as a juvenile, provided you have had a clean record since.
I was arrested but released with NFA. Do I need to declare it?
Yes. You must declare all arrests. NFA (No Further Action) is better than a conviction, but the vetting team will read the case file to see *why* it was NFA (e.g., lack of evidence vs proven innocence).
What offences are automatic bans?
Offences involving dishonesty (theft, fraud), violence, or sexual misconduct are usually automatic rejections.
I have points on my licence. Is that okay?
3-6 points for speeding is usually fine. A conviction for Drink/Drug Driving usually carries a ban from applying for 3-5 years after your licence is returned.
Should I mention my Fixed Penalty Notice?
Yes. FPNs for public order or theft must be declared. Parking tickets do not need to be declared.
What happens if I lie about a caution?
You will be rejected for integrity. There is no appeal for lying. They check the Police National Computer, so they WILL find it.
Independence Statement: Police Pay UK is an independent information resource and is not affiliated with any police force or the College of Policing. Official policies can change; always verify with your chosen force's recruitment team.
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