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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) 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)
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the role inside out! Familiarise yourself with the Police Constable Entry Programme and what it entails. This will help you answer questions confidently during interviews and show that you're genuinely interested in the position.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Connect with current officers or those who've been through the PCEP. They can share insights and tips that could give you an edge in your application process. Plus, it shows you're proactive!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Prepare for the interview by doing mock interviews with friends or family. Focus on common questions related to policing and your motivations for joining. The more you practice, the more relaxed you'll feel on the day.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application is seen by the right people. 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)
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 avoid any hiccups later on.
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 you can bring value to the team!
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language and avoid jargon. This helps us understand your background 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, it’s super easy!
How to prepare for a job interview at Thames Valley Police
✨Know Your Role
Familiarise yourself with the responsibilities of a Police Constable and the specifics of the Police Constable Entry Programme. Understanding the training process and the expectations during your probation will help you answer questions confidently.
✨Showcase Relevant Experience
If you have experience in areas like the criminal justice sector, emergency services, or youth work, be ready to discuss how these experiences have prepared you for the role. Use specific examples to illustrate your skills and adaptability.
✨Demonstrate Your Values
The police force values integrity, respect, and professionalism. Be prepared to discuss scenarios where you've demonstrated these values in your personal or professional life. This will show that you align with the core principles of the police service.
✨Prepare for Practical Scenarios
Expect situational questions that assess your problem-solving and decision-making skills. Think about how you would handle various situations you might face as a Police Constable, and practice articulating your thought process clearly.