Botswana Police Service Police Recruits 2026 โ Police Constable Trainees | BGCSE | No Experience Required | Apply by 25 September 2026
The Botswana Police Service (BPS) is inviting applications from suitably qualified Botswana citizens for Police Recruit / Police Constable training opportunities at various police establishments across Botswana.
This is an opportunity for young Batswana who want to pursue a career in policing and public service. No previous work experience is listed as an entry requirement. Applicants must, however, satisfy strict requirements relating to age, education, physical and mental fitness, character, criminal record and Body Mass Index (BMI).
Successful candidates will undergo 12 months of Police Training and will serve a two-year probationary period inclusive of the training period.
Vacancy Overview
| Vacancy Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Employer | Botswana Police Service |
| Vacancy | Police Recruits / Police Constable Trainees |
| Vacancy Circular | No. 2 of 2026 |
| Reference | Pol 39/1/3/3 XII (71) |
| Advert Date | 2 September 2026 |
| Locations | Various Police establishments across Botswana |
| Citizenship | Botswana citizens only |
| Age Requirement | 18โ30 years |
| Minimum Qualification | BGCSE or equivalent |
| Minimum BGCSE Points | 30 points from best 6 subjects |
| English Requirement | C grade or better |
| Experience | No previous work experience stated |
| BMI Requirement | 18โ25 |
| Police Training | 12 months |
| Probation | 2 years, inclusive of training |
| Closing Date | 25 September 2026 |
No Experience Required
The Botswana Police Service advert does not list previous employment or policing experience as an entry requirement.
This means eligible young people who meet the citizenship, age, educational, fitness and other requirements may apply even if they have never worked before.
However, applicants must successfully complete the Botswana Police Service selection process, which includes medical, physical, security and aptitude assessments.
Entry Requirements
All applicants must:
- Be Botswana citizens
- Be between 18 and 30 years old
- Be physically and mentally fit
- Have no criminal record
- Be of good character
- Have a Body Mass Index (BMI) between 18 and 25
- Not have visible tattoos on their bodies
The advert also states that applicants must not be pregnant at the time of recruitment and must not fall pregnant throughout the duration of training.
Qualifications Required
Applicants must have:
BGCSE or equivalent with a minimum of 30 points
The 30 points are calculated from the applicant’s best six subjects.
Applicants must also have:
Grade C or better in English
The advert further states that qualifications at Diploma, Degree and Master’s level will be an added advantage in the following fields:
- Law
- Psychology
- Health Science
- Cyber
- Aviation
- Languages
- Social Sciences
- Arts
- Business
- Information Technology
These higher qualifications are listed as an added advantage, not as the basic entry requirement.
Salary Scale
The Botswana Police Service advert provides the following salary progression:
| Stage | Salary |
|---|---|
| Entry โ B1 | P85,500 โ P102,120 per annum |
| During Probation โ C4 | P102,312 โ P117,528 per annum |
| After Confirmation โ C3 | P121,920 โ P145,704 per annum |
Leave
Successful candidates are entitled to:
20 working days’ leave per annum
Key Skills and Personal Attributes
Applicants will undergo a selection process that includes a comprehensive medical examination, security vetting, aptitude testing and physical fitness assessment.
The Botswana Police Service is looking for candidates who are:
- Adaptable
- Resilient
- Disciplined
- Team players
- Trustworthy
- Loyal
- Selfless
- Courageous
These qualities are particularly important because police officers are expected to work responsibly, maintain discipline and serve the public.
Mandatory Police Training
Successful applicants will be required to undergo:
12 months of Police Training
Candidates will also serve a:
Two-year probationary period, inclusive of training
Applicants should therefore understand that selection does not mean they immediately begin performing ordinary police duties without training.
The training programme is a mandatory part of becoming a Police Constable.
Primary Purpose of the Job
After successfully completing training, candidates will be expected to perform the functions of the Botswana Police Service as outlined in Section 6 of the Police Act Cap 21:01 of the Laws of Botswana.
Duties and Responsibilities
Police Constables will be expected to:
- Protect life and property
- Prevent and detect crime
- Repress internal disturbances
- Maintain security and public tranquillity
- Apprehend offenders
- Bring offenders to justice
- Enforce written laws that the Botswana Police Service is directly responsible for enforcing
- Generally assist in maintaining peace
These responsibilities mean applicants should be prepared for a career involving public safety, discipline, law enforcement and service to communities.
Remuneration, Benefits and Opportunities
In addition to the advertised salary scales, the Botswana Police Service lists the following benefits:
Medical Aid
A contributory medical aid scheme is available, with:
- Government contribution: 50%
- Employee contribution: 50%
Pension
Permanent and pensionable staff participate in a contributory pension scheme:
- Government contribution: 15%
- Employee contribution: 5%
Overtime Allowance
An overtime allowance of:
20% of Basic Salary
is listed in the advert.
Housing
Successful candidates may receive:
- Free housing, or
- A housing allowance of 15% of Basic Salary in lieu of housing
Other Benefits
- Electricity subsidy
- Water subsidy
Selection Process
Shortlisted candidates will undergo a comprehensive selection process.
This includes:
- Comprehensive medical examination according to Botswana Police Service medical standards
- Comprehensive physical fitness assessment
- Criminal vetting
- Security vetting
- Aptitude tests
- Written assessments
- Oral interviews
Meeting the basic entry requirements therefore does not automatically guarantee appointment.
How to Apply
Applicants must quote the advert/reference and provide the required application information and documents.
Your application should include:
- Full names
- Address
- Place of birth
- Date of birth
- Brief career summary with duties (CV)
- Certified copies of educational certificates
- References
- Certified copy of Omang
- Professional Body Registration Certificate/Number, where applicable
Applications should be addressed to:
Director of Training
Private Bag 009
Otse
Botswana
Reference to quote:
Vacancy Circular No. 2 of 2026
Ref: Pol 39/1/3/3 XII (71)
The supplied advert does not provide an online application link or email application address, so applicants should follow the submission instructions in the official vacancy notice.
Closing Date
25 September 2026
Applicants should ensure their applications reach the Botswana Police Service by the closing date.
Only shortlisted applicants will receive a response.
Important Tips Before Applying
Before submitting an application, carefully check the entry requirements. In particular, confirm that you:
- Are a Botswana citizen
- Are aged 18โ30
- Have the required BGCSE/equivalent qualification
- Have at least 30 points from your best six subjects
- Have English at C or better
- Meet the BMI requirement of 18โ25
- Have no criminal record
- Do not have visible tattoos
- Are prepared to undergo medical and physical fitness assessments
- Are prepared for 12 months of Police Training
CV Tips for Botswana Police Recruit Applicants
1. Clearly Show Your BGCSE Results
Because academic results form part of the requirements, clearly list your BGCSE subjects and grades.
Make sure your CV makes it easy to confirm your English grade.
2. No Experience? Don’t Invent Any
The advert does not require previous work experience.
First-time job seekers can instead highlight genuine experience from:
- School activities
- Sports
- Volunteer work
- Community projects
- Leadership positions
- Youth organisations
3. Highlight Discipline and Teamwork
Police work requires discipline and cooperation.
If you participated in sports, school leadership or other structured activities, mention genuine examples demonstrating:
- Discipline
- Teamwork
- Reliability
- Responsibility
- Resilience
4. Mention Relevant Higher Qualifications
If you have a Diploma, Degree or Master’s qualification in one of the fields specifically mentioned in the advert, make this prominent on your CV.
5. Keep the CV Professional
Avoid unnecessary graphics and complicated layouts. Make your CV easy to read and ensure your:
- Contact information is correct
- Qualifications are accurate
- Employment dates, if applicable, are correct
- References are contactable
- Supporting documents are certified where required
Example CV Profile for a First-Time Applicant
โDisciplined and motivated Botswana citizen with BGCSE qualifications and a strong interest in serving the community through the Botswana Police Service. Reliable, physically active and committed to teamwork, integrity and public service. Eager to undergo professional police training and develop the skills required to protect life and property, prevent crime and contribute to peace and security in Botswana.โ
Applicants should adapt this example to reflect their actual qualities and background.
Possible Botswana Police Recruit Interview Questions
- Tell us about yourself.
- Why do you want to join the Botswana Police Service?
- What do you understand about the role of a Police Constable?
- Why is discipline important in policing?
- What does integrity mean to you?
- Why must police officers be trustworthy?
- What does protecting life and property mean?
- What is the role of the police in preventing crime?
- How would you deal with a difficult member of the public?
- How do you respond to instructions from someone in authority?
- Tell us about a time you worked as part of a team.
- How do you cope with pressure?
- What does being resilient mean?
- Why is physical fitness important for a police officer?
- Are you prepared to undergo 12 months of police training?
- How do you handle criticism?
- What would you do if you saw a colleague behaving dishonestly?
- What would you do if someone you knew personally broke the law?
- Why is confidentiality important in policing?
- What qualities make a good police officer?
- How would you handle conflict between two people?
- What does public service mean to you?
- How would you maintain professionalism when someone insults you?
- What do you know about the Botswana Police Service?
- Why should you be selected as a Police Recruit?
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need previous work experience?
No previous work experience is listed as an entry requirement in the supplied Botswana Police Service advert.
What qualification do I need?
Applicants need BGCSE or equivalent with at least 30 points from their best six subjects and a C grade or better in English.
What is the age limit?
Applicants must be:
18โ30 years old
Do I need to be a Botswana citizen?
Yes.
Is there a BMI requirement?
Yes. Applicants must have a BMI between 18 and 25.
How long is Police Training?
Successful candidates undergo 12 months of Police Training.
Where will successful candidates work?
The positions are tenable at various Police establishments around Botswana.
What is the starting salary?
The advert lists the entry salary scale as:
B1 โ P85,500 to P102,120 per annum
When do applications close?
25 September 2026
Important Vacancy Summary
Employer: Botswana Police Service
Position: Police Recruits / Police Constable Trainees
Vacancy Circular: No. 2 of 2026
Reference: Pol 39/1/3/3 XII (71)
Locations: Various Police establishments across Botswana
Citizenship: Botswana citizens
Age: 18โ30 years
Education: BGCSE or equivalent
BGCSE Requirement: Minimum 30 points from best six subjects
English: C or better
Experience: No previous work experience required/stated
BMI: 18โ25
Training: 12 months
Probation: 2 years inclusive of training
Entry Salary: P85,500 โ P102,120 per annum (B1)
Closing Date: 25 September 2026
Application Address: Director of Training, Private Bag 009, Otse
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