Senior police officer - overview

What does a senior police officer do?

As a senior police officer, you’ll work in partnership with the community to ensure that people and property are kept safe, crime is reduced or prevented, and law and order is maintained. You might manage activity in a certain geographic location in your community, or lead operations around a certain type of issue. You’ll be able to find work all across the country.

You’ll typically be responsible for the professional development of a team of junior officers and coordinate their duties, along with maintaining records and writing reports and reporting to police leadership. You’ll enjoy working to shape high level law enforcement and providing an effective service.

What will your days involve?

Daily tasks will vary but could involve:

• Co-ordinating record keeping systems and preparing reports
• Managing and directing the work of subordinate officers
• Planning and delivering general policing for an area or functional unit
• Making contacts and investigating sources of information about crimes planned or committed
• Liaising with senior officers to decide staff, finances and other resource needs

FAQs

How much can you earn as a senior police officer?

The average salary for a senior police officer in the UK is £55,640. Graduates start at around £33,500.

Does a senior police officer role involve travel in the UK or overseas?

A senior police officer role involves travelling between your station and different locations within your community. Travelling overseas for work is rare.

Can you work from home as a senior police officer?

Senior police officers rarely work from home as your role focuses on coordinating services from an office environment and building relationships with the community.