- knowledge of public safety and security
- customer service skills
- legal knowledge including court procedures and government regulations
- patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
- the ability to accept criticism and work well under pressure
- leadership skills
- to be thorough and pay attention to detail
- knowledge of psychology
- knowledge of teaching and the ability to design courses
- to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device
Your day-to-day duties could include:
- assessing intelligence information
- developing policing policies and tactics
- planning the best ways to carry out operations and investigations
- working closely with communities and professional partners
- managing staff performance
- reviewing law enforcement operations
- taking charge of the response to major incidents in your area when they happen
You may need to wear a uniform.
You could work at a police station or in the community.
Your working environment may be physically and emotionally demanding.
With experience and further training, you could move up the policing ranks from chief inspector to superintendent, and on to assistant chief constable and chief constable.
You could also work for the security services, MI5 and MI6, Civil Nuclear Constabulary or Ministry of Defence.
You can get more advice about becoming a senior officer through the College of Policing.
