Bedfordshire Accelerated Detective programme (Detective Degree Holder Entry Programme)

Bedfordshire Police; England; On-site; GBP 31,000 - 36,000; Full time

Job summary

Bedfordshire Police recruiting for a Detective Constable Degree Holder Entry Programme (D-DHEP). The accelerated two-year programme combines on-the-job learning with a fully funded graduate diploma from Anglia Ruskin University, while earning a competitive salary.

You begin with a 27-week learning phase, then serve as a police officer on patrol, gaining Independent Patrol Status, and progress to detective role elements with two placements before becoming a Detective Constable.

Qualifications

• Must hold a full manual driving licence, or a full automatic driving licence where required as an adjustment due to a disability.
• Must hold a Degree, this can be in any subject (there are no restrictions regarding classification).
• No policing experience is necessary, but essential that candidates display an inquisitive mind, excellent interpersonal skills and a high level of integrity.

Responsibilities

• Complete 27-week learning phase covering frontline policing knowledge and NIE exam top-up.
• Work on patrol as a police officer responding to emergency and non-emergency calls in uniform.
• In year two, undertake detective role elements with two placements in investigative environments.
• Complete two-year training and be confirmed as Detective Constable, then posted within specialist investigative teams.

Skills

Inquisitive mind

Interpersonal skills

Integrity

Education

Bachelor's Degree (any subject)

Job description

**This advert is for a March 2027 intake start date, the advert will close on 30th September 2026**

Bedfordshire Detective Constable Degree Holder Entry Programme

Applicants are sought with a curious, inquiring mind, who think they have what it takes to be a Detective.

The accelerated detective programme, also known as, Detective Degree Holder Entry Programme (D-DHEP) is a two-year programme that combines on the job learning alongside working towards a fully funded graduate diploma with Anglian Ruskin University, all whilst earning a competitive salary and making a difference.

You will start with an initial 27-week phase of learning where we teach you all the knowledge and skills of frontline policing together with a crime National Investigators Examination top-up which means you get to take the NIE exam in your first year with us. From there you will work on patrol as a police officer where you will respond to emergency and non-emergency calls in uniform. You will be supported by a tutor to practice your safe and lawful competency in the workplace and gain Independent Patrol Status.

In year two we start by teaching the detective role elements such as specialist interviewing techniques, you also have two placements in an investigative environment. The first will be in a volume crime team and the second in a specialist unit such as intelligence, serious sexual offences and serious assaults.

Following successful completion of the two-year training period, you will be confirmed as a Detective Constable and posted within one of our specialist investigative teams.

Starting salary is £31,164 per annum plus £1,500 location allowance.

• You must hold a full manual driving licence, or a full automatic driving licence where required as an adjustment due to a disability
• You are required to hold a Degree, this can be in any subject (there are no restrictions in place regarding classification of the award)
• No policing experience is necessary, but it is essential that candidates applying display the skills and attributes suited to the role, including an inquisitive mind, excellent interpersonal skills and a high level of integrity. It’s a challenging job but one which is extremely diverse and rewarding.

In the recruitment process, you will be asked to provide evidence of your academic qualifications for assessment by Anglia Ruskin University. In anticipation of this, please ensure that you have evidential certificates available, for all qualifications. If these are not supplied when requested, this will either result in us being unable to continue with your application or delays to your progress.

We strongly advise that you read the information available on our website prior to completing the application form as it contains important information and guidance; the information will assist you with making a successful application and provides a comprehensive overview of the entry requirements.

Bedfordshire Police is committed to fairness towards all members of the community. We are looking for individuals with a range of skills and experiences from a mixture of backgrounds in order to deliver an excellent Police service. We welcome and encourage applications from all diverse groups from within our communities.

Please note, for Bedfordshire internal candidates, to ensure a return on investment on the training invested for your current role, if you are currently a in the Force Control Room, Detention Officer or a PCSO you will need to have completed a minimum level of service in that role before you are able to apply. This 12 months for PCSOs and 18 months for both Communications Operators and Detention Officers.

Members of the Special Constabulary and Police Community Volunteers are welcome to apply.

Please note that if you are applying for the Detective Degree Holder Entry Programme you will be unable to apply for any other Police Officer entry routes within Bedfordshire Police.

**This advert is for a March 2027 intake start date, the advert will close on 30th September 2026**