Police Constable Entry Programme - Detective Constable (PCEP DC) in Leeds

Those on the Detective route protect vulnerable people and investigate serious crime across West Yorkshire, playing a vital role in bringing offenders to justice and providing closure for victims and families. You will work in specialist investigation teams within Safeguarding, Criminal Investigation or District Investigations, tackling complex and challenging cases.

Key Duties

• Investigate a range of crimes, progressing to more serious and complex cases.
• Use investigative tools and techniques in both community and office settings.
• Gather and develop intelligence to support investigations.
• Interview victims, witnesses, and suspects using approved methods (e.g. PEACE).
• Manage and present evidence in line with legal and procedural requirements.
• Prepare high quality case files for supervisors, CPS, and court processes.
• Attend scenes, secure evidence, and safeguard those involved.
• Support investigations by tracing suspects, conducting searches, and taking statements.
• Work collaboratively with uniformed teams, CID, partners, and complete required training and portfolio work.
• Build positive relationships with colleagues and communities across West Yorkshire.
• Operate 24‑hour shift patterns, including nights and weekends.
• Make critical decisions that can have a lasting impact on people's lives.

Expectations

Members of the public expect West Yorkshire Police to recruit people who demonstrate the highest standards of professional conduct, honesty, and integrity. We are looking for individuals who can deliver a high-quality, professional service at all times, be quick-thinking problem solvers and strong team players, communicate effectively with the public and colleagues, show resilience under pressure, and demonstrate our Force Values: integrity, fairness, and respect. Uphold the Policing Code of Ethics: public service, courage, respect, and empathy.

After appointment, you will complete 17 weeks of initial training at West Yorkshire Police training facilities in Wakefield. You will then join an investigation team within Safeguarding, Criminal Investigation or District Investigations across one of the five West Yorkshire districts – Bradford, Calderdale, Kirklees, Leeds or Wakefield. Following this, you will have 10 weeks’ mentorship on a uniform team at District before moving on to a specialist investigation team within the district. Upon successful completion of your two‑year training period, you will begin the intensive Trainee Investigator Development Programme, which focuses on building essential investigative skills, developing a portfolio of evidence, and completing the National Investigator Exam, leading to accreditation as a Detective Constable. This route is for people who want to be a Detective Constable through the 2‑year Police Constable Entry Programme – Detective Constable. The role involves 24/7 shift work and offers comprehensive training, a competitive salary and pension, and excellent opportunities for career development and progression.

Essential Criteria

• Be at least 17 years of age, 18 at the time you are appointed to the role.
• Be a British Citizen, or an EU/European Economic Area (EEA) national, Commonwealth citizen or foreign national with Indefinite Leave to Remain or Settled Status and no restrictions on your stay in the United Kingdom.
• Be a UK resident for the last three years.
• Hold a full manual or automatic UK driving licence by the time of formal offer.
• Pass the vetting process (applications from people with cautions or convictions are unlikely to be accepted).
• Be ready, willing and able to pass the job related fitness test.
• Be in good health and pass a medical examination.
• Pass a drugs test.
• Have a Level 2 / GCSE (A‑C or 9‑4) or equivalent qualification in English Language and Maths.
• Possess a level 3 qualification within the meaning of Section 3 of the Education and Skills Act 2008 or equivalent (i.e. 2 × A/AS Levels Grade A to E, GNVQ/NVQ Level 3, BTEC Level 3 or equivalent).
• You must have received a confirmed result to be eligible to apply; we are not accepting predicted grades at this time.
• If you do not hold a Level 3 qualification but can demonstrate having the qualifications and/or experience as detailed in Police Regulations 2003, Regulation 10, Annex BA (i.e. you are a serving Special Constable or PCSO and have attained independent patrol status) then consideration will be given to your application.