Police Constable Entry Programme

Starting salary - £31,164 - 50,256 (plus £1,500 South Eastern Allowance). This programme is guided as a Level 5 learning opportunity and written English is a key requirement for success with this route alongside assessments and assignments. The Police Constable Entry Programme (PCEP) is a new entry route for joining the police which provides an excellent opportunity to be employed as a police officer from day one on a two-year training programme.

This programme is focused on developing policing skills with key models and theories used routinely within a policing environment. PCEP is a two-year learning programme with a 20-week initial phase of learning and four returning weeks in year two further developing your understanding about key topics such as leadership, inclusion, investigation skills and public protection. As an Officer, you will also attend Personal Safety Training and there are a wide range of ICT systems to learn about.

Your knowledge and skills will be assessed throughout this period using a variety of techniques including exams, presentations, short essays and a full work-based occupational competency portfolio. Our training teams understand that you may not yet know very much about policing. No assumptions are made, and each student officer is offered coaching to achieve the requirements in a very tailored way. We also have lots of experience if you need any workplace adjustments – everyone is screened for Dyslexia and given personal feedback as necessary.

Out on patrol, you will be coached and mentored by trained tutor constables who will support you to achieve a “safe and lawful” standard of practice. Once you achieve Independent Patrol Status, you will be a fully deployable resource attending jobs by yourself. You will be welcomed, whatever your background, and supported throughout the programme by our friendly teams.

Entry requirements:

• GCSE in English Language at a minimum of grade C or 4 (or equivalent qualification, such as level 2 functional skills in English) certificates or statement of results to be given at the point of application.
• Applicants must hold a full UK manual driving licence at the time of application. This is a mandatory requirement for all Police Officers.

Benefits of this route:

• A starting salary of £31,164 (plus £1,500 South Eastern Allowance), working full-time (40 hours per week).
• As a police constable, you will be eligible to receive annual increments up to a salary of £50,256.
• You will enjoy the advantages of a contributory pension scheme, which offers generous benefits based on average earnings.
• You will start with 25 days annual leave rising to 30 days, dependent on your length of service.

You could play your part in continuing to build the standards, practices and reputation of policing for the better! Your training will begin with a 20-week initial learning phase, attending one of our training centres in Dunstable. You will learn a wide range of policing skills including Personal Safety Training, emergency life support, safeguarding, crime investigation, operational policing skills, and there are a wide range of ICT systems to learn about.

In year two, there will be four more weeks of training to further develop your understanding about key topics such as leadership, inclusion, investigation skills and public protection. Throughout your training, you will undertake work-based learning and you will be fully supported as you apply new skills and knowledge as part of your operational duties. You will be immersed in day-to-day policing. This will help you understand the context of what you learn, enabling you to develop the skills and experience needed for this challenging role, as you actively contribute to reducing crime and harm in the communities of Bedfordshire.