In the United Kingdom, the police service is structured with a series of ranks to organise and maintain order within the force. These ranks, from the entry-level Police Constable to Chief Constable or Commissioner, play a vital role in ensuring effective policing throughout the nation. The hierarchy works to provide clear lines of authority and responsibility, as each rank comes with its own range of duties and powers.
| Metropolitan Police | City of London Police | UK Forces |
|---|---|---|
| Commissioner | Commissioner | |
| Deputy Commissioner | ||
| Assistant Commissioner | Chief Constable | |
| Deputy Assistant Commissioner | Assistant Commissioner | Deputy Chief Constable |
| Commander | Commander | Assistance Chief Constable |
| Chief Superintendent | Chief Superintendent | Chief Superintendent |
| Superintendent | Superintendent | Superintendent |
| Chief Inspector | Chief Inspector | Chief Inspector |
| Inspector | Inspector | Inspector |
| Sergeant | Sergeant | Sergeant |
| Constable | Constable | Constable |
Over time, UK police forces have evolved in line with legislative changes, but the overall structure of the ranking system has remained consistent. As you can see above both the Metropolitan Police and City of London Police have slightly different ranks.
Salaries for UK police officers are determined based on their rank and experience. For example, on joining the force, the entry-level salary for a Police Constable is around £20,000. Senior officers such as the Chief Constable of Police Scotland can earn up to £214,000, and the Commissioner of the Metropolitan Police – the most senior police officer in the UK – has a salary of £293,000.
Understanding UK Police Officer Ranks
Constable
The most junior rank in the UK police force is the Police Constable (PC). These officers are responsible for responding to calls, conducting investigations, and gathering evidence. They work in various roles such as neighbourhood policing, traffic policing, and specialist roles like dog handlers.
Sergeant
The next rank up is the Sergeant. They supervise constables and are responsible for ensuring that the team under their command performs their duties effectively. Their role involves overseeing daily operations and managing resources within the team.
Inspector
An Inspector is responsible for supervising a larger team of police officers consisting of constables and sergeants. They hold more responsibilities and undertake managerial tasks, such as developing strategies for community engagement and addressing any concerns raised by the public.
Chief Inspector
Chief Inspectors oversee the work of a group of Inspectors and manage the performance of their own division or area. Their role typically involves more strategic planning and oversight and ensuring effective communication between different departments.
Superintendent
The Superintendent is a more senior rank in the police force and is responsible for the management and strategic direction of several divisions or geographical areas. They coordinate police activities and collaborate with other external agencies to meet community safety needs.
Chief Superintendent
A Chief Superintendent manages a larger area or a specialist department within the police force. Their role is focused on driving the overall performance of the force and implementing policies and strategies defined by the executive level.
Commander
For the Metropolitan Police, the rank of Commander is equivalent to a Chief Superintendent in other forces. Their responsibilities include managing specialist or high-profile operations, supporting strategic initiatives, and ensuring that policies are implemented effectively.
Assistant Commissioner
The Assistant Commissioner rank exists only in the Metropolitan Police and the City of London Police. This rank is responsible for the overall management of a large portfolio within the force, encompassing multiple areas and specialist operations.
Deputy Assistant Commissioner
In the Metropolitan Police and the City of London Police, the Deputy Assistant Commissioner assists the Assistant Commissioner in supervising the force’s various departments. They are responsible for ensuring the management and strategic direction of these departments are aligned with the force’s overall goals and objectives.
Commissioner/Chief Constable
The Commissioner is the most senior police rank within the Metropolitan and City of London Police forces. This position involves leading the entire force, setting strategic direction, and ensuring the delivery of its services to the community. In other forces, the equivalent position is the Chief Constable.
Other Roles In The Police
Special Constable
A Special Constable is a part-time volunteer officer with the same powers and responsibilities as a full-time Police Constable. They play a vital role in supporting regular officers and contribute to the overall safety and security of their communities. Their duties include responding to incidents, conducting investigations, and participating in neighbourhood policing.
Detective
Detectives are specialised officers responsible for conducting investigations into serious and complex crimes, such as homicide, sexual assault, and organised crime. They gather evidence, interview witnesses and suspects, and work closely with other policing units and partner agencies. Detectives receive additional training in investigation techniques, interviewing, and the legal system. Their role is crucial in the overall effort to bring criminals to justice and maintain public safety.
Staff
Police staff members have various roles within the UK police force, supporting frontline operations and providing essential services. These roles can include administrative positions, IT specialists, human resources, finance, and communication experts. Police staff work in a wide range of areas, supporting the police force’s overall efficiency and effectiveness. Some staff members also serve in specialist roles, such as crime scene examiners, complementing the work of police officers and providing expertise in their respective fields.
Police Insignia & Uniform
Epaulette
In the United Kingdom, police officer ranks can be identified by the epaulette worn on their uniform. Epaulettes display insignia which indicate the rank of the officer. Depending on the rank, these insignia can be stripes, pips, or crowns.
- Constable – No insignia
- Sergeant – Three chevron stripes
- Inspector – Two pips
- Chief Inspector – Three pips
- Superintendent – One crown
- Chief Superintendent – One crown and one pip
It is essential to note that some police forces in the UK (such as the Metropolitan Police) may have additional bespoke ranks at the chief officer level, like ‘Commissioners’ and the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) uses its own unique insignia.
Metropolitan Police Epaulettes
London City Police Epaulettes
Uniforms
Different uniforms are worn by UK police officers depending on their role, rank, and the situation they are in. Generally, police uniforms in the UK consist of a formal tunic, trousers, shirt, and tie for ceremonial or public-facing events. On daily duties, officers wear an operational uniform, including black trousers, a white/black shirt with high-visibility jackets and stab vests, often worn for duties requiring increased safety measures.
Police Community Support Officers (PCSOs) are an example of non-sworn police staff who do not hold the same powers as police officers. They wear a slightly different uniform, with unique insignia denoting their role, instead of rank.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hierarchy of police ranks in the United Kingdom?
The hierarchy of police ranks in the United Kingdom, from lowest to highest, is as follows:
- Police Constable (PC)
- Sergeant (Sgt)
- Inspector (Insp)
- Chief Inspector (Ch Insp)
- Superintendent (Supt)
- Chief Superintendent (Ch Supt)
- Assistant Chief Constable (ACC)
- Deputy Chief Constable (DCC)
- Chief Constable (CC)
Note – the Metropolitan Police and City of London Police have a slightly different hierarchy.
What is the lowest rank within the UK police force?
The lowest rank within the UK police force is the Police Constable (PC).
How are British police ranks distinguished by insignia?
British police ranks are distinguished by insignia worn on their epaulettes. In general, the number of ‘pips’ or ‘stripes’ on the epaulettes indicates the rank:
- Police Constable: No insignia
- Sergeant: Three point-down chevrons
- Inspector: Two pips
- Chief Inspector: Three pips
- Superintendent: One crown
- Chief Superintendent: One crown over one pip
- Assistant Chief Constable: Two crossed tipstaves (sticks) within a wreath
- Deputy Chief Constable: Two crossed tipstaves within a wreath, above one pip
- Chief Constable: Two crossed tipstaves within a wreath, above two pips
What are the common abbreviations for UK police officer ranks?
The common abbreviations for UK police officer ranks are as follows:
- PC: Police Constable
- Sgt: Sergeant
- Insp: Inspector
- Ch Insp: Chief Inspector
- Supt: Superintendent
- Ch Supt: Chief Superintendent
- ACC: Assistant Chief Constable
- DCC: Deputy Chief Constable
- CC: Chief Constable
How do detective ranks differ from regular police ranks in the UK?
Detective ranks in the UK are parallel to regular police ranks, with officers working primarily on criminal investigations. The main difference is the prefix ‘Detective’ added to the rank title. For example, a Detective Constable (DC) would have the same level of authority as a Police Constable (PC) but would focus on investigative work. The detective ranks are:
- Detective Constable (DC)
- Detective Sergeant (DS)
- Detective Inspector (DI)
- Detective Chief Inspector (DCI)
- Detective Superintendent (DSI) or (DSupt)
- Detective Chief Superintendent (DCS)
