Police Constable

Police Constable Entry Programme (PCEP) Duration – two years
Starting salary - £31,164 (plus £1,500 South Eastern Allowance)
This programme is guided as a Level 5 learning opportunity and written English is a key requirement for success with this route alongside assessments and assignments.

The Police Constable Entry Programme (PCEP) is a new entry route for joining the police which provides an excellent opportunity to be employed as a police officer from day one on a two year training programme.

This programme is focused on developing policing skills with key models and theories used routinely within a policing environment.

PCEP is a two-year learning programme with a 20 week initial phase of learning and four returning weeks in year two further developing your understanding about key topics such as leadership, inclusion, investigation skills and public protection.

As an Officer, you will also attend Personal Safety Training and of course, there are a wide range of ICT systems to learn about.

Your knowledge and skills will be assessed throughout this period using a variety of techniques including exam, presentations, short essays and a full work-based occupational competency portfolio.

Our training teams understand that you may not yet know very much about policing. No assumptions are made, and each student officer is offered coaching to achieve the requirements in a very tailored way.

We also have lots of experience if you need any workplace adjustments – everyone is screened for Dyslexia and given personal feedback as necessary.

Out on patrol, you will be coached and mentored by trained tutor constables who will support you to achieve a “safe and lawful” standard of practice. Once you achieve Independent Patrol Status, you will a fully deployable resource attending jobs by yourself
You will be welcomed, whatever your background, and supported throughout the programme by our friendly teams.

Entry requirements
GCSE in English Language at a minimum of grade C or 4 (or equivalent qualification, such as level 2 functional skills in English) certificates or statement of results to be given at the point of application
Full UK manual driving licence required at the point of applying
We are unable to accept applications without these 2 main entry requirements.

Benefits of this route
A starting salary of £31,164 (plus £1,500 South Eastern Allowance), working full-time (40 hours per week).
As a police constable, you'll be eligible to receive annual increments up to a salary of £50,256.
You'll enjoy the advantages of a contributory pension scheme, which offers generous benefits based on average earnings. You'll start with 25 days annual leave rising to 30 days, dependent on your length of service.
You could play your part in continuing to build the standards, practices and reputation of policing for the better

Programme information
Your training will begin with a 20 week initial learning phase, attending one of our training centres in Dunstable.

You will learn a wide range of policing skills including Personal Safety Training, emergency life support, safeguarding, crime investigation, operational policing skills, and there are a wide range of ICT systems to learn about.

Our training teams understand that you may not yet know very much about policing. No assumptions are made, and each student officer is offered coaching to achieve the requirements in a very tailored way.

We also have lots of experience if you need any workplace adjustments – everyone will be screened for Dyslexia and given personal feedback as necessary.

You will then move to your designated policing area in Bedfordshire and join a team working alongside experienced police officers.

Out on patrol, you will be coached and mentored by trained tutor constables who will support you to achieve a “safe and lawful” standard of practice, before being signed off as fit for Independent Patrol Status, meaning you can patrol alone.

In year two, there will be four more weeks of training to further develop your understanding about key topics such as leadership, inclusion, investigation skills and public protection.

Throughout your training you’ll undertake work-based learning and you will be fully supported as you apply new skills and knowledge as part of your operational duties.

You’ll be immersed in day-to-day policing. This will help you understand the context of what you learn, enabling you to develop the skills and experience needed for this challenging role, as you actively contribute to reducing crime and harm in the communities of Bedfordshire.