Expression of Interest - Detective Constable Entry Programme (DCEP)

Please be advised this is not an application for the role. You will be notified when we are next open for applications. As a Detective Constable, you can change your life and the lives of others. Being a detective is demanding, diverse and incredibly fulfilling. From cyber-crime, domestic abuse and child protection, through to homicide, high level drugs importation and serious organised crime; you will help solve some of the most serious crimes possible. Analysing the evidence, interviewing suspects, taking a case to court – you will uncover the truth and seek justice for victims.

If you have the compassion to help build trusting relationships; the tenacity to see a case through from start to finish; the desire to get justice for victims and the emotional resilience to keep calm, yet confident, then a detective career could be for you. This is an intensive course, which will require commitment and dedication to both serving the public and meeting the demands of the programme. In return, we promise a good starting salary, supportive working environment, great training experiences, opportunities for progression and, upon successful completion of your learning, a graduate diploma in professional policing practice. You will be paid a full time salary of £28,551, plus £3,000 South East Allowance.

Eligibility Criteria

• To apply to DCEP you must be aged 17 years or over on the day you submit your application. You must be 18 years or over to start in post.
• Have lived in the UK for 3 continuous years immediately prior to application.
• Have leave to enter, or leave to remain in the UK for an indefinite period.
• Have a current full UK manual driving licence, by the time of appointment.
• Not be a member (current or previous) of the British National Party (BNP) or any other proscribed terrorist organisations or groups.
• Not have tattoos which cause offence.
• Not have serious motoring offences.
• Not have 6 or more points on your licence.

Qualifications

• Have achieved one A Level grade (A*-C) and one A level grade A*-E or AS level in a different subject, or a level 3 equivalent OR a higher qualification. You must have a minimum of 48 UCAS points.
• Have achieved GCSE English at grade A*-C/9-4 or an educational equivalent to a Level 2. You will need to provide copies of your qualifications with your application form.
• Applicants in their final year of studying towards a Level 3 qualification or a Degree can apply using predicted grades. You will need to supply proof of your qualifications when you receive your results in August/September.
• Applicants without a Level 3 qualification can be considered if they are a current serving (or have left within the last 18 months, having completed 18 months' service) as a Special Constable or PCSO with any police force.
• They are a current serving Investigating Officers, PIP Investigators, Contact Officers or Controllers who have completed 18 months service (or have left within the last 18 months, having completed 18 months' service).
• They have served for a minimum of 2 years within the last 5 years in the armed forces or similar law enforcement agencies and have exemplary references.
• Experience in other operational policing roles can be considered on a case by case basis for candidates who have served a minimum of 2 years within the last 5 years and have exemplary references.

If you meet one of these service requirements, please complete the Level 3 form attached to this advert and submit this with your application.

Contact Us

If you have a query about any aspect of your recruitment journey, be that eligibility requirements, completing the application form, or you want to find out more about what happens after you have submitted your application, our recruitment experts can answer your questions. Email the team to book a one-to-one conversation.

Selection Process

• Stage 1: Application Form and Eligibility Checks
• Stage 2: National Sift - Behavioural Style Questionnaire and Situational Judgement Test
• Stage 3: National Assessment Centre - Written briefing and competency-based interview
• Stage 4: In Force Competency Based Interview
• Stage 5: Pre-employment checks consisting of references, vetting, medical, biometric vetting, substance misuse testing and fitness testing.

Please note that during the first 16 weeks of training you will not be able to take any annual leave.

Diversity Statement

We are committed to being an anti-racist police service. We promise to challenge injustice, ensure fairness and to uphold anti-racist principles in both our organisation and our communities. We value the differences that people bring from all backgrounds and communities. Regardless of age, sex, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression, disability, social status, or religious belief, we would love to hear from you.

Additional Information

Following submission of your application you will receive a confirmation email with a copy of your application attached. Occasionally emails from this address can fall into spam/junk folders so please ensure this is checked regularly.