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- Tasks: Join the police force and become a detective while earning a salary and gaining qualifications.
- Company: Dynamic police service committed to community safety and inclusivity.
- Benefits: Earn £31,176 while studying, with opportunities for career advancement and specialisation.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in your community and support vulnerable victims of crime.
- Qualifications: Must hold a Bachelor's degree and GCSE level 2 in English and Maths.
- Other info: Competitive application process; apply early to secure your chance!
The predicted salary is between 26000 - 37000 £ per year.
Overview
The Degree Holder Entry Programme (DHEP) is an exciting opportunity for talented individuals from all backgrounds to enter the Police service on a fast track route to becoming a detective. As part of this journey you will have the added benefit of obtaining a Level 6 Diploma in Professional Policing Practice, whilst working and earning a full salary.
The programme includes classroom delivery, practical application and tutorship and study which is split between the UWE campuses and Police Headquarters in Portishead. You will also be required to pass the National Investigator’s Exam during Year 2 of study. We empower our people to be leaders and offer support every step of the way. Joining our organisation is the start of your journey and the first step towards a career in policing. We also offer a number of other opportunities thereafter to further develop your future career aspirations within our organisation.
As a detective constable you will be motivated by making a difference in your local community and you will play a critical role in supporting the most vulnerable victims of crime.
Detectives manage our complex and serious investigations across a range of investigation and vulnerability types including domestic abuse, rape, serious assaults, robberies and organised drug supply. More specialist capabilities include child protection and cybercrime.
Whether you have finished higher education or are thinking about a change of career, our police officers come from all backgrounds and join/work together with a shared goal to make the lives of those within our communities safer. We are looking for tenacious individuals who are able to think clearly in sometimes stressful and emotionally charged situations, have genuine compassion and empathy to support victims of crime together with the passion to serve our communities every single day.
You will demonstrate excellent communication skills to be able to engage with individuals across a wide range of situations and from all backgrounds and be committed to delivering the best service possible.
Qualifications
You will be eligible to apply for our Degree Holder Entry Programme if you already hold a Bachelor’s degree or above in any subject (or international equivalent) at the time of application. You are not eligible to apply for the DHEP route if you hold or are working towards the Degree in Professional Policing.
You must also hold a level 2 (GCSE or functional skills equivalent) at a grade C/4 or above, these must be uploaded and evidenced at the time of application.
Should you hold a valid College of Policing assessment centre score, which is less than 18 months old and you meet the required eligibility criteria, we are able to accept this and you will not be required to resit the assessment centre again.
What we offer
You will be paid while you learn and start on a salary of £31,176, whilst undertaking the 2 year course. You are required to attend training at UWE and Police Headquarters Monday to Friday, normally between 08:00-16:00.
You will then spend 14 weeks working in uniform policing, working days, late and night shifts, where you will be supported by a tutor until you are signed off for Independent Patrol.
Finally you will arrive on your CID Team where you will begin to deal with more serious crime. You will be tutored through the process of investigating crimes by gathering and assessing evidence, interviewing victims and suspects, and preparing case files for court. In this role as a detective, you will be contracted to work 40 hours per week plus paid overtime, and should expect to work day, late and weekend shifts. In the longer term you will be able to move into more specialist roles and/or seek promotion opportunities.
Additional information
For more information around the role, programme structure and what we offer in return, please visit our website here: https://www.avonandsomerset.police.uk/apply/jobs-and-volunteering/police-officer/degree-holder-entry-programme/
This is a very competitive process therefore the application window may close early if we feel we have enough successful applications submitted. We encourage you to submit your application as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.
At present we are recruiting for vacancies within our force area, however the south of our force area is a priority in order to meet our operational demand. Therefore vacancies at our Bridgwater and Yeovil bases will be filled as priority, all applicants are required to reside within 30 miles or up to 45 minutes travelling time of their given posting.
If your application is successful, you will be required to attend a compulsory familiarisation event these will be held on 9th October 2025 and 15th October 2025. Virtual assessment centre will be held week commencing 30th October 2025.
About us
Diversity is a strength and individuality is an asset. We recognise the benefit different life experience and perspectives can bring. We are on a journey to become the most inclusive police force in the country. Find out more about our benefits and culture.
Please note: We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive a high volume of applications. We encourage interested candidates to apply as soon as possible to ensure their application is considered.
Important information before you commence an application (for external applicants): You will require the following detail to complete this application form: National Insurance Number, Identification Detail e.g. passport, Address information including proof, Referee information, Full employment history including dates and any qualifications you may have attained, Tattoos – you may be requested to provide photos and describe any visible tattoos you have. If the role requires you to drive you will also be required to upload details from your full driving licence including photos.
Important information before you commence an application – for ALL applicants: The application system only remains active on a single page for a period of 60 minutes. Please ensure you allow time to complete your application fully as some pages do not save. If the role has evidence questions you may wish to save these remotely and paste your answers into the boxes at time of submission.
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Detective Constable DHEP employer: Avon and Somerset Police
Contact Detail:
Avon and Somerset Police Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Detective Constable DHEP
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the role inside out! Research what being a Detective Constable involves, especially the types of cases you'll handle. This will help you speak confidently about your passion for the job during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Connect with current officers or those in the DHEP programme on social media. They can provide insider tips and might even give you a heads-up about upcoming opportunities.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your interview skills! Mock interviews with friends or family can help you articulate your thoughts clearly. Focus on demonstrating your empathy and problem-solving skills, which are crucial for this role.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website ASAP! The sooner you submit your application, the better your chances. Plus, it shows you're keen and ready to jump into this exciting career path.
We think you need these skills to ace Detective Constable DHEP
Some tips for your application 🫡
Get Your Documents Ready: Before you dive into the application, make sure you've got all your documents sorted. This includes your National Insurance Number, identification details, and proof of address. Having everything at hand will save you time and hassle!
Show Your Passion: When writing your application, let your passion for policing shine through! Talk about why you want to be a detective and how you can make a difference in your community. We love seeing genuine enthusiasm!
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application clear and to the point. Use straightforward language and avoid jargon. Remember, we want to understand your experiences and skills without having to decipher complicated sentences!
Apply Early!: This is a competitive process, so don’t wait until the last minute to submit your application. The sooner you apply, the better your chances are. Head over to our website and get started today!
How to prepare for a job interview at Avon and Somerset Police
✨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, make sure you understand the role of a Detective Constable and the Degree Holder Entry Programme. Familiarise yourself with the types of investigations you'll be involved in, such as domestic abuse and cybercrime. This knowledge will help you answer questions confidently and show your genuine interest in the position.
✨Show Your Compassion
As a detective, empathy is key. Prepare examples from your past experiences where you've demonstrated compassion or supported someone in need. This could be through volunteer work or personal experiences. Highlighting these moments will showcase your ability to connect with victims and handle sensitive situations.
✨Practice Communication Skills
Excellent communication is crucial for this role. Consider conducting mock interviews with friends or family, focusing on clear and concise responses. You might also want to practice explaining complex ideas simply, as you'll need to engage with people from all backgrounds during investigations.
✨Be Ready for Scenario Questions
Expect situational questions that assess how you'd react in stressful situations. Think about how you would handle a difficult investigation or support a vulnerable victim. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers, ensuring you demonstrate your problem-solving skills and resilience.