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West Yorkshire Police is hiring: do you have what it takes to become an officer?
West Yorkshire Police is particularly keen to hear from those from ethnic minority backgrounds and women, as the force recognises that it is under-represented by people from these backgrounds at present.
There are few jobs that can be as rewarding as joining the police.
Every single day, police officers across West Yorkshire have an opportunity to improve the lives of those living in our local area- and now you have the chance to join their team.
You might spend your morning helping to arrest a drug dealer and your afternoon helping a victim of domestic abuse to speak out about their trauma and bring the perpetrator to justice. Or you might find yourself heading out in the car to attend a traffic collision or parking up to patrol a public event.
The possibilities are endless, but so are the rewards.
Whether you're looking for an exciting career locking away the bad guys or simply revel in the prospects of working in an environment where two days will never be the same, West Yorkshire Police are keen to hear from you.
Image: West Yorkshire Police
There are multiple routes into the police, each accounting for different age, education and experience levels, as well as if you'd like to specialise in a particular role, like Detective.
At present, there's three entry programmes available:
Direct Entry Detective Constables: a two-year training programme where inquisitive minds will learn the intricacies of solving crimes with detective work
Police Constable Degree Apprenticeships: a three-year apprenticeship where individuals can 'earn while they learn' and become an integral part of the police force from day one, without having any prior experience, judt a minimum of two A Levels
Degree Holder Entry Programme: a two-year programme for those already holding a degree that adapts their existing skills and experience to prepare individuals for working in the varied roles within the police force
With a starting salary of £21,654 for an apprentice or £24,780 for direct entrants and degree holders: you'll be rewarded with far more than kind words from the public as part of your job too.
The financial implications of a career with the West Yorkshire Police are long-term: all new members of the police can expect to see their increasing to a minimum of £27,030 after two or three years depending on which route into the force they choose to take, with the opportunity of earning £41,130 after seven years, subject to performance.
To apply for any of these positions, all you need to be able to show is that you're over 17 (there's no upper age limit); you can pass the job related fitness test and have the drive to dedicate yourself to this fulfilling career.
Image: West Yorkshire Police
There is also Force Tattoo Policy and police vetting checks that applicants will need to go through to check their suitability for the position, but otherwise the choice of roles is down to your individual aspirations and previous experience.
Some training programmes take between two and three years to complete and is jointly provided by Leeds Trinity University. All fees are covered, and this route allows individuals to spend time studying the theoretics of police and crime, as well as heading out to train 'on the beat' to integrate with the team and provide on the job training with superiors. The Direct Entry Detective Constable position however, teaches analytical skills and builds on pre-existing knowledge, allowing individuals to learn on the job without attending University,
West Yorkshire Police is particularly keen to hear from those from ethnic minority backgrounds and women, as the force recognises that it is under-represented by people from these backgrounds at present.
Image: West Yorkshire Police
To surround young people with role models that look and sound 'just like them' and to ensure that the West Yorkshire Police force is representative of the community it serves, those interested in applying from an ethnic minority or under-represented group should visit the West Yorkshire Police website to register their interest and submit an application.
For more information on how to become a police officer, visit the West Yorkshire Police website and check out the positions available.
Feature Image- West Yorkshire Police
News
A huge football fan zone with space for up to 1,000 fans has opened in Leeds
Trinity Leeds is transforming Trinity Kitchen into the ultimate space to watch all the World Cup 2026 action together.
Looking for somewhere to cheer on England in the 2026 World Cup? Don’t fret, we’ve got you covered.
Foodie hotspot Trinity Kitchen has been completely transformed into the ultimate fan zone with space for up to 1,000 cheering fans.
And they’ve made sure that nobody misses out on the action.
There are three super-sized 5x3m screens dotted around the space, so wherever you go you won’t miss out on a goal.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
There’s also a brand-new bar courtesy of local favourites Northern Monk named the ‘Northern Monk Trinity Tap’.
The tap will feature two, seven-metre bars with a whopping 20 beer taps to keep you refreshed and hydrated during the tournament, because cheering the lads on really can be thirsty work.
If you don’t fancy a beer there’s also cocktails, wine and soft drinks on offer as well - so nobody has to miss out.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Feeling peckish? Of course there’s 11 street food vendors serving match day meals and snacks to keep you fuelled through the games.
Choose from Caribbean jerk chicken from Jerk Junction, Indian street food from Rolawala and loads more.
Entry is completely free but if you’re after a reserved seat on a table, tickets cost just £10.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Josie Towning, Food and Beverage Manager at Trinity Leeds, said: “Trinity Kitchen will operate as normal during the day, transforming into a football fan zone in the evening.
“It will be one of the biggest World Cup venues in Leeds with three huge screens showing the games live and more dotted around Trinity Kitchen. There will be live roaming brass bands and DJs turning every England fixture into a true celebration.
“Fans can turn up and grab a space for free and we will also be offering table bookings for England games for those who want to guarantee the best spots to watch the drama unfold.
“Our line-up of street food vendors will serve bold flavours from around the world, while the all-new Northern Monk Trinity Tap will pour award-winning craft beers across 20 taps, making Trinity Kitchen the ultimate place to eat, drink and experience every unforgettable World Cup moment."
It’s all kicking off on Wednesday 17 June for England v Croatia. So rally your mates together, get your England shirts on and grab your tickets here.
Featured image - The Hoot Leeds
News
Dishoom announces official opening date for new Leeds restaurant
Clementine Hall
It's the moment we've all been waiting for, Dishoom is coming to Leeds.
The whispers of Dishoom's arrival in Leeds city centre have been going on for a while now, but over the past few weeks it has started to feel very real.
Taking over the beautiful old Flannel's site on the coveted Vicar Lane, signs started to pop up for Dishoom and work was cracking on fast.
Well now, we have an opening date - and we don't have long to wait.
Dishoom Leeds will open on Monday 3 August, with guests being able to enjoy 50% off food during an initial soft-opening period, ahead of the official opening on Friday 14 August.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
As with every Dishoom café, the Leeds restaurant begins with a story. This one takes inspiration from the extraordinary true events surrounding the explosion of the SS Fort Stikine in Bombay Dock in April 1944, a wartime disaster that sent gold bars flying across the city.
Legend has it that some of the missing gold was never recovered. Some was discovered embedded in walls and rooftops across Bombay. Other pieces quietly disappeared into the hands of lucky citizens, melted into bangles or hidden away in drawers.
Dishoom Leeds reimagines the fortune made from the gold bars and guests will discover subtle references to the glamorous mid-century details through the interiors and artwork, giving playful nods to Bombay’s golden age.
With all day dining available, guests can dine on the beloved breakfast right through to late evening feasting, with the café will serve a lovingly curated menu of Bombay comfort food inspired by the city’s cafés, grills, street stalls and family kitchens.
Shamil Thakrar, co-founder, also known as Head Babu, at Dishoom, said: “Leeds is a city with tremendous warmth, creativity and character, full of people who know the value of gathering together over good food and drinks. Bringing Dishoom here has long been a dream for us.”
"The story behind this café is rooted in one of Bombay’s most extraordinary moments – the day gold bars fell from the sky after the explosion of Fort Stikine in 1944. Amidst the tragedy and chaos, there were also tales of unexpected fortune, human resilience and hopeful reinvention. We were captivated by this, and we cannot wait to welcome Leeds into the café that pays homage to the heritage of Bombay.”
Sophie Smith -
14th April 2022 
