Other Police Ranks
Below the rank of Chief-Superintendent, police forces in England, Scotland and Northern Ireland share the same titles and officers should be addressed in the same way.
There is no longer any differentiation between male and female officers.
For the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) the prefix 'Detective' in the ranks from constable to chief superintendent e.g. Detective Inspector Smith
Police sergeant may be abbreviated to PS, police constable to PC, detective sergeant to DS and detective constable to DC.
How to Address a Police Officer
The recommended social style of address is as follows:
| Beginning of letter | Dear Chief Superintendent Smith (or appropriate rank) |
| Beginning of letter | Dear Chief Superintendent/Inspector etc. (or by name) |
| Envelope | Chief Superintendent/Inspector John Smith, or John Smith, Esq |
| Verbal communication | Chief Superintendent, Inspector etc., or by name |
Register for updates
Register here to receive our regular newsletter, exclusive offers and updates on new Debrett’s initiatives.
Register here nowCompetition
