What notice must a police constable give?

One month under Regulation 12A of the Police Regulations 2003. Some forces have moved to shorter minimum notice during officer shortage periods; the force HR handbook confirms.

Can a police officer be dismissed during probation?

Yes under Regulation 13 of the Police Regulations 2003. The chief officer must be satisfied that the constable is not fitted mentally or physically for the role, or not likely to become an efficient constable. Federation support is available.

Does statutory notice apply to police officers?

Section 86 ERA 1996 does not apply directly because officers are office-holders under Crown, not employees. The Police Regulations 2003 provide the equivalent framework. Some employment-law principles (discrimination, whistleblowing) apply via separate statute.

What happens if I resign to take up a role at another force?

Transfers between UK forces are usually coordinated through the College of Policing. Notice arithmetic is agreed between the two HR teams. Pension continuity is preserved. Return-of-service liability for funded specialist training may transfer or need discharge.

Can I be put on garden leave as a police officer?

Not in the standard employment-law sense because officers hold office rather than work under a contract of employment. Similar effects can be achieved through suspension pending investigation or through restricted duties, both under the Police Conduct Regulations.

Police Officer Notice Period (UK 2026): Regulation 12A + Ranks

Notice by rank

Rank	Typical notice (both sides)
Constable (post-probation)	1 month (Reg 12A)
Constable in probation	1 month; probation dismissal under Reg 13
Sergeant	1 month
Inspector / Chief Inspector	1 to 3 months (force policy)
Superintendent	3 months
Chief Officer ranks	3 to 6 months

Where the rules come from

Police officers are office-holders under Crown, not employees in the standard sense. Notice is governed by the Police Regulations 2003, in particular Regulation 12A, and by force-level HR policies made under national frameworks. The Employment Rights Act 1996 does not apply directly; some parallels do (e.g. discrimination law under the Equality Act 2010).

Sources include: the College of Policing HR reference, the Police Federation of England and Wales (PFEW) for constables and sergeants, the Police Superintendents' Association, and force-specific Human Resources handbooks.

Probationary constables

New police officer probation runs two years (three in Scotland). Regulation 13 of the Police Regulations governs probation dismissal: chief officer may dispense with services during probation if not fitted physically or mentally, or not likely to become an efficient constable. Regulation 13 procedures include a written notice, right of representation and (in many forces) an internal review before the dismissal takes effect.

For the general framework see probation period notice period and dismissed during probation.

Handing in notice

Notice is given in writing to the officer's line manager, copied to HR at force headquarters. The Warrant Card must be returned on the notified end date, alongside all issued equipment. Officers who have signed a return-of-service agreement (funded firearms, driving or specialist training) may owe repayment on early departure.

Templates and guidance are usually available on force intranet. Federation representatives can review a draft letter before submission.

Pension impact

Most current officers are in the Police Pension Scheme 2015 (PPS 2015). Earlier joiners may have preserved rights under PPS 1987 or the 2006 scheme. Deferring or preserving pension on resignation depends on years of pensionable service and age. The McCloud remedy applies to transitions between the older scheme and 2015; the Home Office and force pension administrator have current guidance.

Misconduct and separate exit routes

Misconduct and gross misconduct are governed by the Police (Conduct) Regulations 2020, not the notice regulations. Standards of Professional Behaviour apply. Dismissal following a hearing does not attract standard notice; officers dismissed for gross misconduct leave with immediate effect.

Ill-health retirement is a separate route under the Police Pension Regulations, requiring a Selected Medical Practitioner (SMP) opinion on permanent incapacity for police duty. This is distinct from resignation.

Special constables and PCSOs

Special Constables are volunteers under the Special Constables Regulations 1965; notice is by force policy, typically 28 days but negotiable. Police Community Support Officers (PCSOs) are civilian staff on employee contracts, not officers; standard employment law and ERA 1996 apply to their notice. See police staff and PCSO notice for the detail.

Transferring forces

Officer transfers between UK forces are managed through the College of Policing central pathway. The originating force releases the officer only after the receiving force confirms appointment; notice arithmetic is coordinated by the two HR teams. Pension continuity is preserved through the shared pension framework.

Useful calculators

Related guides

Authority pages

Frequently asked questions

What notice must a police constable give?: One month under Regulation 12A of the Police Regulations 2003. Some forces have moved to shorter minimum notice during officer shortage periods; the force HR handbook confirms.
Can a police officer be dismissed during probation?: Yes under Regulation 13 of the Police Regulations 2003. The chief officer must be satisfied that the constable is not fitted mentally or physically for the role, or not likely to become an efficient constable. Federation support is available.
Does statutory notice apply to police officers?: Section 86 ERA 1996 does not apply directly because officers are office-holders under Crown, not employees. The Police Regulations 2003 provide the equivalent framework. Some employment-law principles (discrimination, whistleblowing) apply via separate statute.
What happens if I resign to take up a role at another force?: Transfers between UK forces are usually coordinated through the College of Policing. Notice arithmetic is agreed between the two HR teams. Pension continuity is preserved. Return-of-service liability for funded specialist training may transfer or need discharge.
Can I be put on garden leave as a police officer?: Not in the standard employment-law sense because officers hold office rather than work under a contract of employment. Similar effects can be achieved through suspension pending investigation or through restricted duties, both under the Police Conduct Regulations.

Sources and further reading

Police Regulations 2003, Regulation 12A — The statutory basis for police officer notice.
Police (Conduct) Regulations 2020 — Misconduct and gross misconduct dismissal framework.
Home Office: Police Officer Terms and Conditions — Home Office guidance on officer terms.
Police Federation of England and Wales — Union-equivalent representation for constables and sergeants.
College of Policing HR reference — National HR frameworks.

General information about UK police officer notice, not legal advice. For your situation, contact your Federation representative or force HR.