Click here to view our key dates for recruitment.

Nationality and Residency Requirements

All eligibility criteria is reviewed prior to the start of a new campaign.

1 Year Residency Exemptions

Certain applicants may be exempt from this requirement. These exemptions are restricted to the following and have a prerequisite that any required probationary period has been passed:

• Gibraltarians returning to Gibraltar after living overseas.

• Gibraltarians or Non Gibraltarians with a relevant skill set residing in close proximity to Gibraltar. 

• Former or serving UK Home Office/Police Scotland, PSNI,MOD,BTP & CNC Police Officers. (This exemption does not extend to PCSO or Special Constable roles.)

• Police/Police Staff Investigators.

• Former or serving members of HM Forces.

All applicants irrespective of residency exemption “on employment will be, resident in Gibraltar”. You are therefore not required to be resident at the point of submitting your application form however if you are successful, you must be in a position to take up residence in Gibraltar on commencement of training.

Age

Applicants must be 18 years upon the commencement of employment with the RGP. We will not always know the start date of the upcoming training school. Those submitting applications at 17 years of age must be aware that this application is speculative and eligibility will be date dependent.

Mandatory retirement will be at 55 years of age. Applicants falling within these age groups will be eligible to apply. You are able to sit the entrance exam as soon as you turn 17. 

Convictions or dealings with police

The office of Police Constable is a position of responsibility and trust, given only to law-abiding people with proven good character and integrity. As such, while consideration will be given to individual circumstances, any previous criminal convictions could impact on your suitability for the role.

All previous convictions should be disclosed. This includes police cautions or involvement with the police, even when these interactions cross borders.

Failure to disclose will result in your application being rejected. This is inclusive of all interactions, whether or not the circumstances would have prevented an application from progressing. Convictions, warnings or cautions will not in every case prevent appointment. The decision will depend on the nature and circumstances of the offence(s).

Eligibility

If you are considering applying from the UK, it’s best that you check that you are eligible first. You can do this via the ‘ELIGIBILITY’ tab above. You may be eligible to be employed in UK roles and still not be eligible in Gibraltar so it is important to check.

Transfers

There are no transfers to the Royal Gibraltar Police. Those interested in applying from other services must do so with the knowledge that prior service and skillsets acquired through their respective careers will not have any bearing as to whether they attain an appointment with the RGP. Successful applicants from the UK will go through the same selection process as those applying locally.

It is not possible to transfer in to the RGP from other Government Departments or other Police Services. Applicants who have prior Policing experience will certainly be considered, but will start at the same rank and pay scale as all other successful applicants.

Training

There will be training, the length of the training will depend on your experience and retention of the training you have already received. It may be the case that a conversion course suffices but this will be dealt with on a case by case basis.

The RGP may assess you on your current legal competency during The Assessment Day. This will not be a pass fail exam but will assist us in considering conversion course options.

Exams 

You must pass the Royal Gibraltar Police entrance exam. You cannot apply without having first passed this exam. This exam can be taken remotely. For more information see ‘THE EXAM’ tab.

Spain

On commencement of training with the RGP you must be resident in Gibraltar. After training, you may request to live out of jurisdiction but this is not guaranteed. Make sure that you do some research before applying. Private rentals in Gibraltar can be expensive and it is best to prepare in advance.

Selection Process

The selection process can be pricey for those partaking from overseas. It cannot be considered a bad thing to scope out a place before you decide whether or not you would consider being a police officer there. Keep an eye on our exam dates and fitness test dates and see if these coincide with potential visits to Gibraltar. It may save that additional flight. See ‘THE EXAM’ and ‘THE FITNESS’ tabs for more information.

Key dates from an ongoing selection process can be found under ‘KEY DATES’ tab. These will be as accurate as possible but can be subject to change. If you do pass the assessment day, it is likely that your interview would be a few days later. We are aware that this means you have to book accommodation and time off to cover this gap. We are also aware that a failure at the assessment day would mean the additional cost with no interview at the end of it.

The process is as condensed as it can be and the above is the cost and risk of applying for an overseas career change.

An in person interview is always better for the board to get an understanding of who you are as a person but the RGP will aim to facilitate online interviews for those who are unable to extend their stay.

The online interview will take place on the same days as the in person ones.

Successful Applicants

Please be aware, should you be successful that there is no relocation funding and the RGP will not be in a position to assist you with arranging accommodation. You will be given a minimum of 4 weeks’ notice in which to relocate but naturally we suggest that this research is conducted by you in advance.

The RGP is very proud of its commitment to supporting Women In Policing. A dedicated page has been set up and this can be accessed by clicking here.

A Police Officer holds a responsible position within society. One of the primary roles is ensuring law and order is maintained. As a Police Officer, you will promote confidence among the community and show that the police understand and are prepared to deal with the issues that matter most to the public. Policing will enable you to work in partnership with members of the public and other organisations to make a real difference.

The Constable role is the frontline of the Criminal Justice system and community engagement. Under general supervision, but often operating independently. Responsible for the protection of life and property, the prevention and detection of crime and the maintenance of public order through a range of sworn powers in line with organisational standards.

RGP Code of Ethics

JOB DESCRIPTION 

POST TITLE 

Police Constable – Area Response Team

AIM

To perform the statutory role of Police Officer: to protect life and property, maintain order, prevent and detect crime and prosecute offenders against the peace.

POLICE CONSTABLES ARE REQUIRED TO:

Gather and submit information that has the potential to support law enforcement objectives

Provide an initial response to incidents

Arrest, detain or report individuals

Conduct priority and volume investigations

Interview victims and witnesses in relation to priority and volume investigations

Interview suspects in relation to priority and volume investigations

Search individuals and their personal property

Carry out systematic searches of vehicles, premises and open areas

Manage conflict

Provide initial support to victims, survivors and witnesses and assess their need for further support

DEALING WITH PEOPLE  

To provide a high quality of service to the community

Building and maintaining community relations including advice and support in areas such as crime prevention and personal safety

Dealing with members of the public and colleagues in calm, professional, non-judgmental, non-discriminatory manner, being mindful of diversity and integrity issues

OPERATIONAL TASKS

Conducting patrol duties

Attending road related incidents including collision scenes, vehicle check points and traffic offences

Perform traffic duties as and when required

Attending and giving evidence in court and at other hearings

Working as a competent team member, including wider co-operation with specialist departments

Carry out any other duties appropriate to the post as and when required

ADMINISTRATION

Completing administrative procedures, both paper based and through technology

Preparing crime reports and presenting case files

Administering custody procedures as an arresting officer

Remain up to date with force orders, policies, procedures and laws and maintain knowledge of all legislative issues affecting the role

Must comply with Police Regulations, Standing Orders and the requirements of Data Protection

Maintain standards of professional practice

To prepare for and attend and Court proceedings and other hearings 

PERSON SPECIFICATION 

Click here to view information on the RGP police entrance exam.

Click here to view information on the RGP police fitness assessment.

You no longer need to pass a fitness test as part of recruitment. Fitness will now be assessed and maintained during the training course with a requirement that you achieve a pass in this area by the end of the training course.

We will do everything in our power to get you to the required level, this will include regular fitness sessions during the course.

The Application Form

We only accept applications during recruitment windows. The application button will not work outside this window. You can check our KEY DATES for the most up to date information. Please note that if it is not on the 'KEY DATES' it is because we do not have the information yet.

Recruitment is live, can I apply ?

That depends on the following.

• 1 - Are you eligible to apply.
• 2 - Do you hold a valid and in date RGP Entrance Exam pass.

You can check your eligibility under the ‘ELIGIBILITY’ tab, and you can check exam details under the ‘THE EXAM’ tab.

The application can now be saved and completed at a later date. This will allow you to work on your application and keep this work saved until you have passed the exam.

Where can I get guidance on how to complete the application form ?

There is a video walk through of the application form at the bottom of this page. The application changes slightly year on year but this will still be useful as a guide.

It is important to ensure that your application is best effort. This stage is a sift. Passing the application one year does not guarantee that the same application passes the next year.

The application can now be saved and completed at a later date. This will allow you to work on your application and keep this work saved until you have passed the exam.

I applied before, do I need to apply again ?

Yes. Submitting a new application allows you to display how you meet our current requirements and how you meet or continue to meet our values. It also gives us up to date information in relation to your personal circumstances which may impact your application going forward.

Those who have previously applied and not attained appointment, are free to apply in any subsequent recruitment campaigns -- providing that the new prerequisite exam condition has been met.

I have started the application but cannot complete it just now, can I save my progress ?

Yes. There is a button at the top of the application that will allow you to save your progress should you wish to complete it at a later date.

When you click on this button a link will be generated that you can send to your email. This link will be accessible for 60 days which will more than cover any application window. Applications still need to be submitted within the application window.

The RGP do not have access to saved applications. If you lose the relevant link, you will need to start the process again.

I previously failed at the application stage and I don’t really know why, can you give me any advice ?

It is important to take your time when completing the application form. Your application will be scored and applicants will be sifted out of the process at this stage. Your personal effectiveness is being assessed at this stage.

Why did my application fail ?

As stated above, it is important to take your time when completing the application form. Your application will be scored and applicants will be sifted out of the process at this stage. Your personal effectiveness is being assessed at this stage.

You may not be eligible due to your age. If you are 17 years old you are free to apply, but must have turned 18 on commencing employment. Applications from 17 year olds are therefore speculative in nature and date dependent.

Your application will not have failed due to disclosed convictions or work disciplinaries. Vetting is not conducted at the application stage so this will not be the reason for any lack of progression.

The RGP is a learning organization. Reflective practice is encouraged. We recommend that unsuccessful applicants consider the following points and review the application guidance within the careers section.

• Were you eligble to apply ?
• Did you allow yourself enough time ?
• Was this a best effort ?
• Did you follow the instructions ?
• What feedback have you had about your written work in the past ?
• Are you confident that your personal statement was a 'best effort' ?
• Did you structure the content of your personal statement in line with the instruction ?
• Did you focus your personal statement on you and how you meet the requirements, or did you drift into other generic areas ?

Remember that the accepted standard may shift. A pass one year does not necessarily mean that the exact same application would pass the next year. Take pride in your work and give us the most up to date information.

The RGP has no control over your written ability or how much information you are willing to provide in the personal statement. These areas are for you alone to work on.

Everything else in the application form has instructions or guidance. Personal effectiveness is being assessed at this stage. Ensure for next time that you read all the guidance prior to submitting your application.

How will I know that you have received my application ?

Once you submit the application, you will see a thank you message on screen. If this occurs we have received your application.

If you have problems with your internet and you can still see your application form, hit submit again. Don't worry, we will delete any duplicates should they be sent.

When will I know if I have made it past the application stage ?

The application closing date will be available on the ‘KEY DATES’ part of the careers page. All candidates will be emailed after this date. It is not advisable to leave applications to the last minute, but there is nevertheless an increase in the closing days. All applications will be assessed and scored prior to any decisions being made. Normally the RGP are in a position to let you know one week after the closing date, though this may be slightly longer depending on how many applications are received close to the deadline.

Evidence of Qualifications, Nationality and Date of Birth

Photographs or scans of relevant documentation must be produced when the application form is submitted online, (e.g. a passport, ID card & birth certificate in the applicant’s name). You must also bring copies with you to be examined and verified, you will be instructed when to bring these documents for verification.

Application Guidance Video

Click here to view information on the RGP assessment day.

Click here to view our frequently asked questions.

The Recruitment, Training and Performance team has a compliment of four officers. They have a combined service of approximately 55 years across a variety of departments.

1 x Inspector

Inspector Stewart Finegan has experience in Response, CID, Drug Squad, Professional Standards & Counter Corruption, Corporate Services and now RTP.

1 x Sergeant

Sergeant Gavin Davidson has been in the RGP for approximately 4 years. He also had approximately 4 years service in Police Scotland in Response. Since moving to Gibraltar he has had experience of Response and RTP.

2 x Constables

PC Sharon Berini has been in the RGP for approximately 17 years and has experience in Response, Neighbourhood, Safeguarding and RTP.

PC Trinidad has been in the RGP for over 10 years and has experience in neighbourhood policing,  Response, File Preparation Unit and RTP

Click here to find out more about the Recruitment, Training & Performance team.

Vetting is the process by where you disclose any information that may affect your suitability to become a police officer or member of police staff. It is essential to provide thorough and precise information, as this will then be reviewed by the force you are applying to. Failure to disclose something during this process may result in a vetting failure, and you not being able to join the police, on the grounds of honesty and integrity. 

To understand the vetting process and decision making that you will apply to you, we recommend that you familiarise yourself with the Vetting Code of Practice which the Royal Gibraltar Police adopt as best practice.

Vetting exists to make sure that those joining and choosing a career as a police officer understand the values and public expectations of policing. It is to ensure that your integrity as you enter policing, and when you are in service, is not called into question.

Vetting will be reviewed at regular points in your career.

What does Vetting entail?

All applicants must complete vetting prior to joining a force, to identify whether they are suitable to become a police officer. The vetting process also includes disclosing information on your friends and family, to ensure that you aren’t vulnerable to extortion or blackmail.

You’ll be asked to provide information on:

• Yourself (personal, financial, police, criminal history)

• Your family (parents, parents’ partners, siblings, partner(s), children)

• Co-residents

• Associations that may cause a conflict of interest with your role or the police service

Vetting also includes:

• Background checks across all police information systems on you, your family and other associates i.e. individuals with whom you have significant financial arrangements, such as business partners and those who make child support payments

• Credit reference checks (to make sure money problems don’t make you vulnerable to blackmail or corruption)

• Social media and Open-Source checks (these are checks on content about you that is publicly available on the internet to ensure there’s nothing linked to you that could undermine public trust and confidence in the police service)

• Other government and overseas agency checks

How much information should I include?

If you are not sure how much detail to provide, then more is always preferable. Common mistakes include not providing enough detail or failing to declare something. This can cause delays and prevent you from joining the programme in time.

If you have any doubts about the relevance of a conviction or caution, include the details anyway, as it important for you to demonstrate honesty throughout the vetting process.

What should I declare?

We ask that you are open and honest and declare all investigations, cautions, convictions or interactions with the police, no matter when these took place or how significant they were. Misleading, incomplete or inaccurate information could result in you not being able to join the programme.  

To start initial training, all vetting must be completed. 

Here are some examples of common scenarios that need declaration: 

• My vehicle was pulled over at a police traffic stop, but no formal action was taken.  

• I was questioned by the police once; however, I was not arrested, and no formal action was taken. 

• I received a speeding fine 15 years ago.

If in doubt, disclose.

What if I have a criminal record?

Each case is considered on its own individual merits in relation to the role being undertaken and assets being accessed.

Applications for a position as a police officer or as a member of police staff where that member of staff may be in the evidential chain are rejected in all cases where:

• offences were committed as an adult or juvenile which resulted in a prison sentence (including custodial, suspended or deferred sentence and sentences served at a young offenders’ institution or community home); or

• the applicant is a registered sex offender or is subject to a registration requirement in respect of any other conviction.

• Being on the Police barred list.