Police Officer in Abingdon

From day one of your training you are a warranted officer and, on successful completion of the programme and your probation, your learning will be accredited with a BSc (Hons) Professional Policing Practice. A three-year professional degree-level apprenticeship programme combining on-the-job practical learning and operational competence with academic learning.

The programme sequences year one to year three, with practical training at TVP training centres and placement in your designated Local Command Unit (LCU) leading to Independent Patrol Status.

Responsibilities

The programme includes a mix of training, operational deployment and academic assignments across three years:

• Year One: A blended learning programme delivered by TVP and our Higher Education Institute (HEI) with initial learning phase at TVP Training Centres in Sulhamstead, Reading and Kidlington. You will join your designated Local Command Unit (LCU) for operational tutoring and progression to Independent Patrol Status. Operational training will include officer safety, making an arrest, and conducting a stop and search, among other elements. You will complete seven academic assignments (four during the initial learning phase; three to be completed while operationally deployed during Protected Learning Time).
• Year Two: Builds on Year One with more operational focus (response, investigation, intelligence, community policing and roads policing). You will complete seven academic assignments while deployed during Protected Learning Time. During the second year of your probation, you may be identified for an attachment of either 20 weeks in the Assessment and Investigation Unit (AIU) or 12 months on Neighbourhood policing.
• Year Three: You will complete four academic assignments while deployed during Protected Learning Time, in addition to the End Point Assessment. The End Point Assessment includes an Evidence-Based Research Project, and you are assessed on achieving Full Operational Competence. The research project has a practical policing purpose, demonstrating learning, critical thinking and problem-solving skills.

This application is primarily for Oxfordshire, covering Abingdon, Banbury, Bicester, Cowley, Didcot and Witney police stations. If you can reach other main stations in Buckinghamshire or Berkshire, those locations will also be considered when a posting decision is made. You should not apply for multiple locations.

Application Process

Typical process from initial application through to start date takes about 9 months:

• Self-assessment form: all potential applicants must self-assess their eligibility prior to applying
• Application including proof of eligibility (e.g. educational certificates, residency compliance, tattoo policy etc.)
• Online Assessments (National Sift and Online Assessment Centre)
• Interview
• Provisional Offer
• Pre-employment checks including interview, fitness test, medical, references and vetting
• Formal Offer including written confirmation of posting and start date

Eligibility and entry requirements to apply for a role as a Police Officer via the PCDA

• Age: at least 17 years
• Citizenship: British citizen, or EC/EEA national with Settled status, or Commonwealth citizen, or foreign national with Indefinite Leave to Remain and no restrictions on stay
• Residency: UK resident for the last three years (exceptions considered case-by-case, e.g. periods overseas or armed forces)
• GCSE Education: English and Mathematics at GCSE/Level 2 (A*-C or 9-4) or equivalent
• Further Education/Experience: two A-levels (A-E) or equivalent Level 3 qualifications, OR one A-Level and relevant professional experience, OR relevant professional experience only
• Driving: full manual UK or EEA driving licence before offer
• Criminal Record: no imprisonment or youth detention; if there is a conviction, factors including date and nature, and evidence of good character are considered
• Health: good health and able to perform duties physically and mentally
• Personal: no disqualifying piercings or tattoos
• Location: live within 40 road miles and a 1 hour commute of two main stations; postings may be required to other locations based on organisational need

This description is for planning purposes and may be subject to change. All information should be considered in the context of normal recruitment and selection processes.