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- Tasks: Join the Police Constable Entry Programme and serve your community while gaining valuable skills.
- Company: Thames Valley Police, dedicated to serving and protecting the public.
- Benefits: Starting salary of £34,164 with potential to earn over £53,000 in seven years.
- Other info: Inclusive environment welcoming applicants from all backgrounds.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in your community and enjoy diverse career progression opportunities.
- Qualifications: GCSE English and two A-Levels or relevant professional experience required.
The predicted salary is between 34164 - 34164 £ per year.
The Police Constable Entry Programme (PCEP) offers a comprehensive programme of training, which takes two years to complete. You will undertake a period of initial learning across 24 weeks at our Training Centres in Sulhamstead and Kidlington, before moving to your designated Local Command Unit (LCU) for further operational coaching and tutoring. On this entry programme there will be no academic assessment and your training will not include academic accreditation. Once you have successfully completed your two‑years’ probation on the PCEP you will be a substantive Police Constable and able to consider a wide range of opportunities for progression and specialism within the Force.
The starting salary for all new recruits is £34,164 (which includes £3,000 South‑East allowance). On the current system, officers can expect to be earning a salary in excess of £53,000 per annum by your seventh year in the job.
Application Areas
This application is primarily for Oxfordshire covering Abingdon, Banbury, Bicester, Cowley, Didcot and Witney police stations. However, if you can reach other main stations in Buckinghamshire or Berkshire, those locations will also be taken into account when a posting decision is made. You should not apply for multiple locations.
Eligibility & Criteria
- Age – be at least 17 years of age upon application but must be 18 years by your first day in the role; there is no upper age limit.
- Citizenship – be a British citizen, an EC/EEA national with Pre‑Settled/Settled status, or a Commonwealth citizen or foreign national with Indefinite Leave to Remain and no restrictions on your stay in the United Kingdom.
- Residency – have been a UK resident for the last 3 years.
- Qualifications/Experience – have achieved an English GCSE (A*-C/9-4) or an equivalent Level 2 qualification (e.g. Functional Skills, O‑Level or CSE Grade 1) and two A‑Levels (A‑E) or equivalent, OR relevant professional experience. If you don't have A‑Levels but do have at least one year of professional experience working in areas such as those below, we encourage you to apply:
- armed forces
- criminal justice sector/CPS/courts
- cyber/digital and financial fraud crimes
- emergency services
- health and social care sectors
- justice and law enforcement sectors
- police staff, particularly custody, public contact/demand hub/enquiry office roles and investigative roles
- PCSO or Special Constable
- prison service
- professional services/project management
- teaching
- youth work
- Driving licence – hold a full UK driving licence (manual or automatic) before receiving a formal offer of appointment.
- Health – be in good health and able to physically and mentally perform your duties.
- Tattoos/piercings – not have any piercings or tattoos which cause offence.
- Location – live within 40 road miles and a 1‑hour commute of two of our main police stations before a formal job offer is made. Flexibility is expected in terms of postings as we may need to post to certain locations based on organisational need and this might not be your preferred location.
Application Process
- Self‑assessment questionnaire – we encourage all applicants to self‑assess your eligibility prior to applying
- Application – see ‘Be prepared to apply’ page on our website
- National sift (online)
- Eligibility checking
- Interview (in‑person)
- Provisional offer
- Pre‑employment checks including interview, fitness test/assessment, medical, references and vetting
Equal Opportunity Statement
We encourage applications from our under‑represented communities including all ethnic or religious backgrounds, LGBTQ+ and women.
Vetting
All posts require a level of Police Vetting as per the National Vetting Code of Practice. The residency requirement is necessary to enable all applicants to be checked in an equitable manner. Thames Valley Police will allow applicants to apply who do not necessarily reach the criteria as long as they have proven UK residency and supporting evidence where necessary. Applications will be considered on a case by case basis.
Police Officer - Police Constable Entry Programme (PCEP) in Kidlington employer: Thames Valley Police
Contact Detail:
Thames Valley Police Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Police Officer - Police Constable Entry Programme (PCEP) in Kidlington
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the role inside out! Research what being a Police Constable really involves, from daily duties to the challenges faced. This will help you stand out in interviews and show that you're genuinely interested.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Connect with current officers or attend local police events. They can provide insider tips and might even put in a good word for you when it comes to your application.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Prepare for the interview by doing mock interviews with friends or family. Focus on common questions and scenarios you might face as a Police Constable to boost your confidence.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, you’ll find all the resources you need to prepare for each step of the process right there.
We think you need these skills to ace Police Officer - Police Constable Entry Programme (PCEP) in Kidlington
Some tips for your application 🫡
Know Your Eligibility: Before diving into the application, make sure you meet all the eligibility criteria. Check your age, residency, and qualifications to save time and ensure you're on the right track!
Tailor Your Application: When filling out your application, be sure to highlight any relevant experience or skills that align with the role of a Police Constable. We want to see how your background makes you a great fit for the job!
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language and avoid jargon. This helps us understand your qualifications and motivations without any confusion.
Apply Through Our Website: Make sure to submit your application through our official website. It’s the best way to ensure your application is received and processed correctly. Plus, you’ll find all the info you need there!
How to prepare for a job interview at Thames Valley Police
✨Know Your Role
Familiarise yourself with the responsibilities of a Police Constable. Understand the core values of the police force and be ready to discuss how your experiences align with these values during the interview.
✨Showcase Relevant Experience
If you have professional experience in areas like emergency services or criminal justice, be prepared to share specific examples. Highlight how these experiences have equipped you with skills that are transferable to the role of a Police Constable.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect situational questions that assess your problem-solving and decision-making abilities. Practice responding to scenarios that a Police Constable might face, demonstrating your critical thinking and ability to remain calm under pressure.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
At the end of the interview, ask questions that show your genuine interest in the role and the organisation. Inquire about the training process or opportunities for progression within the force, which will demonstrate your commitment to a long-term career.