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- Tasks: Become a police officer while earning a degree and gaining hands-on experience.
- Company: Join Leicestershire Police, dedicated to community safety and diversity.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, discounts, pension contributions, and flexible working options.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in your community while developing valuable skills and experiences.
- Qualifications: Level 2 in Maths and English, plus two A levels or equivalent.
- Other info: Training starts on 6 March 2026; limited places available.
The predicted salary is between 24900 - 31000 £ per year.
The Police Constable Degree Apprenticeship (PCDA) route into policing offers an exciting opportunity for individuals from all backgrounds to obtain a degree while working and earning a full salary as a police officer. The PCDA programme, delivered in partnership with De Montfort University, includes classroom learning, practical application, and tutorship. The programme is split between university and our police headquarters in Enderby, with rotations across various departments in the second year and opportunities to apply for specialisms in the third year.
Being a Police Constable involves unpredictability. You will work long hours, typically 12-hour shifts, engaging with a diverse range of people, and acting with integrity at all times—whether in uniform or not. It is a role that offers some of the most rewarding days of your life, from protecting vulnerable individuals and saving lives to making your community safer. It is a diverse, exciting, and vital role. In return, you will work for a forward-thinking police force dedicated to keeping Leicestershire safe.
Salary
Apprentices do not contribute to their degree costs but remain in probation for three years. The starting salary is £29,907, increasing to £31,164 in year 2, £32,427 in year 3, and within 7 years, £48,231.
Responsibilities
- Provide frontline response to incidents, including complex and confrontational situations, assessing risks and responding appropriately according to law and policy.
- Lead in local partnerships to problem-solve, engage, reassure, and support communities and organizations.
- Engage effectively with victims, witnesses, suspects, and vulnerable individuals, providing support and gathering information to prevent and reduce crime.
- Maintain awareness of risks to individuals and take action to protect and support those in need of public protection.
- Conduct investigations, develop case files, and support criminal justice processes.
- Gather and handle information, intelligence, and evidence in line with legislation and policies.
Minimum Qualifications
- Level 2 in Maths and English (grade C/4 or above) at application.
- Two A levels or Level 3 equivalent, or in last year of study.
- Current serving PCSO who has completed development plan, probation, and mandatory training.
- Current serving Special Constable with independent patrol status, completing 16 hours/month, up-to-date training.
- Current serving ISA with 12 months in role, having attended training, completed probation, and up-to-date training.
- Hold a driving license within 6 months of start date.
Please review the attached qualification guidance before applying. Leicestershire Special Constables with IPS or DMP do not need to undertake the National Sift or Online Assessment Centre.
Training and Cohort
Training starts on 6 March 2026, lasting 30 weeks. During this period, leave will be pre-booked; prior holidays or arrangements cannot be accommodated. Places are limited and will be awarded to the highest scoring candidates.
Recruitment Process
- Eligibility Questions and National Sift
- Application Form
- Online Assessment Centre
- National Interview and Assessment
- Pre-employment Checks
Benefits
We support our staff with a range of benefits including salary increments, discounts via Bluelight Card, flexi scheme, pension contributions, cycle to work, and more.
Next Steps
If you see yourself here, we encourage you to apply. Guidance on the recruitment process is available. Recruitment closes on Sunday, 1 June 2025, at 23:55, but may close earlier if sufficient applications are received.
About Us
Leicestershire Police covers over 2,500 square kilometers, serving a diverse population of over one million. We have taken many steps to embed policing within local communities. We welcome applications from all backgrounds and are especially eager to increase diversity, including encouraging applications from women, ethnic minorities, and the LGBT community, to better reflect the communities we serve.
Police Constable Degree Apprenticeship (LE 25b) employer: Leicestershire Police
Contact Detail:
Leicestershire Police Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Police Constable Degree Apprenticeship (LE 25b)
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the core values and mission of Leicestershire Police. Understanding their commitment to community engagement and diversity will help you align your responses during interviews and assessments.
✨Tip Number 2
Engage in local community activities or volunteer work related to public safety. This experience can provide you with practical insights into the role and demonstrate your commitment to serving the community.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for the online assessment centre by practising situational judgement tests and scenario-based questions. These are crucial for evaluating how you would handle real-life policing situations.
✨Tip Number 4
Network with current police officers or apprentices. They can offer valuable insights into the recruitment process and share tips on what to expect during training and assessments.
We think you need these skills to ace Police Constable Degree Apprenticeship (LE 25b)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Before applying, make sure you fully understand the responsibilities and requirements of the Police Constable Degree Apprenticeship. Familiarise yourself with the job description and think about how your skills and experiences align with the role.
Tailor Your CV: Craft your CV to highlight relevant experiences, particularly those that demonstrate your ability to handle complex situations, engage with diverse communities, and work under pressure. Use specific examples to showcase your skills.
Write a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter should express your passion for policing and your commitment to community service. Mention why you are interested in the PCDA programme and how it aligns with your career goals. Be sure to convey your understanding of the unpredictability of the role.
Prepare for Assessments: Since the recruitment process includes an online assessment centre and interviews, practice common interview questions related to policing scenarios. Be ready to discuss your problem-solving skills and how you would handle various situations as a police constable.
How to prepare for a job interview at Leicestershire Police
✨Understand the Role
Make sure you have a clear understanding of what being a Police Constable involves. Familiarise yourself with the responsibilities, such as responding to incidents and engaging with the community. This will help you articulate why you're passionate about the role during the interview.
✨Showcase Your Values
Integrity is key in policing. Be prepared to discuss situations where you've demonstrated honesty and ethical behaviour. Think of examples from your past experiences that highlight your commitment to these values.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect to be asked how you would handle specific situations, especially those involving conflict or vulnerability. Practise your responses to common scenario-based questions, focusing on your problem-solving skills and ability to remain calm under pressure.
✨Engage with Diversity
Leicestershire Police values diversity and inclusion. Be ready to discuss how you can contribute to this aspect of the role. Share any experiences you have working with diverse groups or how you would approach engaging with different communities.
