Police Constable Entry Programme (PCEP) (DP26,C1)

Police Constable Entry Programme (PCEP) (DP26,C1)

Join to apply for the Police Constable Entry Programme (PCEP) (DP26,C1) role at Derbyshire Constabulary

Join us as an operational officer – it’s a unique role with changing demands. You need to be adaptable, ready to think on your feet, and able to work long hours, typically 12‑hour shifts. You’ll be in contact with the widest variety of people and expected to act with integrity at all times – even when out of uniform. It’s a role that can bring some of the proudest moments of your life: protecting the vulnerable, saving lives, and making the community feel safer. Working for a forward‑thinking force dedicated to keeping Derbyshire safe is a rewarding opportunity.

Salary

• Starting salary: £31,164, with annual increments to £50,256 within 7 years.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Provide initial and ongoing frontline response to a wide range of incidents, assessing risk, threat and harm to determine a proportionate response in line with the law, policy and guidance.
• Take a leading role in effective localised partnerships to problem‑solve, engage with, reassure and support organisations, groups and individuals across communities in line with the Force’s approach.
• Effectively engage with victims, witnesses, suspects and the vulnerable, ensuring equality, diversity and human rights considerations, providing support, directing to relevant services and gathering information that prevents and reduces crime.
• Maintain awareness of potential and actual risks, taking appropriate action to protect and support those needing public protection and pre‑empt or address safety/vulnerability issues.
• Conduct effective priority and high‑volume investigations in line with investigation standards to develop high‑quality case files and initiate criminal justice proceedings.
• Gather and handle information, intelligence, and evidence from a variety of sources, in line with legislation, policies and guidance, to support investigations, law enforcement and criminal justice proceedings.

The must haves

• Hold 2 A levels or a level 3 equivalent qualification in any subject, or be in your last year of study.
• Or be a current serving PCSO who has completed the professional development plan, passed probation, served 12 months in post and is up to date with all mandatory training at the time of application.
• Or be a current serving Special Constable who has attained independent patrol status, consistently completes 16 hours per month and is up to date with all mandatory training.
• Or be a current serving NIO who has attained a PIP1 qualification, passed probation, served 12 months in post and is up to date with all mandatory training.
• Or be currently employed and have served 2 years in a front‑facing role from the date of application in one of the following areas:
  • Investigation Officers
  • Emergency Services
  • Armed Forces
  • Prison Service
• Hold a full UK manual driving licence by pre‑employment stage, typically 14–16 weeks before the cohort starts.

Please review the qualification and experience guidance attached to check you are eligible before you submit your application. It is your responsibility to ensure you meet these requirements at the time of submitting your application.

You are anticipated to start in Summer/Autumn 2026. Your training will last for 32 weeks and your leave will be pre‑booked throughout this period.

What’s in it for you?

We aim to create an environment that puts people first. We want you to feel supported in everything you do, so you can give your very best. We offer a range of rewards and benefits that you could enjoy if you join us.

Next Steps

To find out more, register for our upcoming information webinars. Once you have attended, you will then be sent a link to apply.

We have provided guidance on our recruitment process to support you with your application.

Once we have sufficient applications, we may close this campaign earlier than expected.

Who We Are

Derbyshire Constabulary has a strong and unequivocal commitment to delivering a high‑quality policing service for everyone in the county – whether for our one million residents or our ten million visitors to the Peak District. By joining us, you’ll play a unique role in helping us keep Derbyshire one of the safest places to live and work in England.

We welcome applications from individuals from all backgrounds and encourage anyone who has considered a career in policing to apply. We’re particularly keen to increase the number of females and candidates from black and minority ethnic communities and the LGBT community, so that we can truly reflect the communities that we serve.