Plus additional allowances for specific locations and specialist roles (annual incremental salary increase within 7 years).
Some locations and roles attract additional allowances on a pro-rata basis whilst you are based there and remain eligible for the allowance. These are paid monthly in your salary and are subject to the usual deductions.
South East Allowance - Higher: £3,000 for posts based at the AWE Group, Berkshire
South East Allowance - Lower: £2,000 for posts based at Portsmouth
MDP London Allowance - £4,338
MDP London Weighting - £3,024
Priority Posting Allowance - Location: £3,000 for officers based at AWE Group, Berkshire
Priority Posting Allowance - Location: £2,000 for officers based at Vulcan, Dounreay
Priority Posting Allowance - Specialist skill set: £2,000 for qualified officers permanently working the Specialist Escort Group
Eligible officers can claim an allowance worth 10% of their base rate pay for every full hour worked between the hours of 2100hr and 0500hrs.
As a full-time police constable, you will have 22 days paid annual leave, rising to 30 days a year after 20 years' service.
You can also expect other forms of leave, including maternity, paternity and adoption leave, special leave (with or without pay) and parental leave.
Our officers are automatically opted into the Principal Civil Service Pension Scheme (ALPHA).You will contribute between 4.6% and 8.05%, depending on your earnings, with contributions from the MOD at 28.97%, it is a generous and highly competitive scheme.
All employees of the MDP are entitled to a range of discounts through the Defence Discount Service and/or the Blue Light Card scheme.
There are also several other benefits that may be available to you as part of the wider Civil Service, such as salary sacrifice schemes including Cycle to Work, salary advances and interest free travel loans. Discover the range of Civil Service benefits.
We’re committed to supporting the wellbeing of our people and we understand that people perform best when they feel comfortable and can be themselves.
We offer all staff access to:
trained Mental Health First Aiders throughout the Force, to listen and sign post suitable guidance when staff need support.
the Employee Assistance Programme, a 24-hour helpline available every day of the year, providing emotional support, guidance, and advice on a wide range of issues.
Headfit, an online tool designed to help defence people stay mentally fit and on top of their game at work and at home.
an occupational health team to provide guidance and advice in relation to the annual medical process and other health related issues for safety critical posts.
fitness provisions, including gyms, fitness instructors and a Force dietitian.
staff networks
guidance advice and support to represent your needs available from the Defence Police Federation.
Operational staff can access the Defence Occupational Fitness Programme (DOfit). This best practise health behaviour change supports programme, developed in partnership with Public Health England, is designed to support MOD and service personnel.
We encourage all our staff to keep fit and healthy and for officers’ fitness is an operational requirement.
Membership to the CSSC Sports and Leisure is open to all in Defence and provides several ways to stay active as well as savings on gym memberships.
Many stations have gym facilities, and we have a Force sports association that offers support to staff taking part in competitive opportunities. Our officers take part in Police Sport UK initiatives and Defence sporting events, sometimes competing against their colleagues.
Your training to becoming an AFO-CT
Once you have completed the recruitment process, the next step towards becoming an AFO-CT begins with our Learning and Development team. Our instructors will guide you through every aspect of modern policing, teaching you how to use intelligence, judgment, and when necessary, physical skills.
This part of your journey starts at the Defence School of Policing and Security. For new recruits, the comprehensive 12-week residential course forms the cornerstone of your police career. Throughout your training, you'll be fully supported with accommodation and meals, allowing you to focus entirely on your development.
During this intensive period, you'll work towards achieving either a Level 4 Non-Home Office Police Officer apprenticeship for officers in England and Wales, or the Level 7 Scottish Diploma for officers in Scotland.
A defining feature of your training is the comprehensive 8-week firearms module, where you'll develop the skills needed to become an Authorised Firearms Officer (AFO). This isn't just about weapons handling – you'll master critical decision-making, tactical awareness, and life-saving medical skills. Our scenario-based training puts you in realistic situations, from buildings to vehicles and open areas, helping you develop the confidence to make split-second decisions under pressure.
You'll learn essential negotiation techniques and how to support vulnerable people, ensuring you have the full range of skills needed for modern policing.
Your learning journey doesn't end with initial training. As an MDP officer, you'll participate in regular refresher courses and development training throughout your career. This includes tactical training, shooting qualifications, and advanced first aid, ensuring your skills remain sharp and current. We maintain high standards through continuous assessment, and you'll need to stay current with annual medical checks and fitness standards.
After completing your probation, exciting opportunities await. Whether you're interested in specialist units, advanced firearms roles, or other areas of expertise, we offer clear pathways for career progression and professional development.
Our commitment to protecting with purpose means we invest significant time in your development, providing individual support and guidance throughout your journey.