Pre-entry experience is not essential, although it's useful to have some experience of working with individuals or groups in the community, such as sports coaching or working with local youth groups.

You could volunteer with organisations such as the Volunteer Police Cadets in order to gain valuable relevant experience. There are also opportunities to volunteer as a police community support officer (PCSO), working with the police and sharing some of their powers.

Other options including volunteering as a special constable, often referred to as a Special. Special constables are volunteer police officers who, after full training, have the same powers as a regular police constable.

When applying, it's important to be able to explain your reasons for choosing a career in the police force, and provide details of any contacts made within the service. You should be able to demonstrate knowledge of the local force, the area which it covers, its senior officers and its structure and key challenges. For more information, see College of Policing - Special constables.