Degree Holder Entry Programme - Detective Constable

Avon and Somerset Police; West of England; On-site; GBP 29,000 - 35,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

LGPS Pension

Job summary

Avon and Somerset Police is offering the Degree Holder Entry Programme (DHEP) to fast-track you into a Detective Constable role. You will be paid a full salary while studying a Level 6 Diploma in Professional Policing Practice, with training split between UWE campuses and Portishead Police Headquarters.

The two-year programme includes classroom delivery, practical application, and tutorship, leading to Independent Patrol and CID team placement.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or higher in any subject (or international equivalent) at time of application.
• Level 2 GCSE/functional skills grade C/4 or above, uploaded at application.
• Eligible to apply for DHEP if you hold a degree not in Professional Policing.
• College of Policing assessment centre score accepted if under 18 months old.

Responsibilities

• Investigate serious crime across a range of types including domestic abuse, rape, assaults and robberies; develop specialist capabilities in child protection and cybercrime.
• Gather and assess evidence, interview victims and suspects, and prepare court-ready case files.
• Work 40 hours per week plus paid overtime; day, late and weekend shifts; progression to CID and specialist roles.

Skills

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor's degree or higher

GCSE level 2 (C/4) or equivalent

Job description

About us

We’re excited to offer the opportunity to join our growing organisation in a career that enables you to make a difference in your community as a Detective Constable within our Investigations directorate.

What is the DHEP programme?

The Degree Holder Entry Programme (DHEP) is an exciting opportunity for talented individuals from all backgrounds to enter the Police service on a fast track route to becoming a detective. As part of this journey you will have the added benefit of obtaining a Level 6 Diploma in Professional Policing Practice, whilst working and earning a full salary.

The programme includes classroom delivery, practical application and tutorship and study which is split between the UWE campuses and Police Headquarters in Portishead. You will also be required to pass the National Investigator’s Exam during Year 2 of study.

We empower our people to be leaders and offer support every step of the way. We want you to be successful in your development and offer a dedicated training package to ensure that you are supported at every step of your progress. Joining our organisation is the start of your journey and the first step towards a career in policing. We also offer a number of other opportunities thereafter to further develop your future career aspirations within our organisation.

As a detective constable you will be motivated by making a difference in your local community and you will play a critical role in supporting the most vulnerable victims of crime.

Detectives manage our complex and serious investigations across a range of investigation and vulnerability types including domestic abuse, rape, serious assaults, robberies and organised drug supply. More specialist capabilities include child protection and cybercrime.

Whether you have finished higher education or are thinking about a change of career, our police officers come from all backgrounds and join/work together with a shared goal to make the lives of those within our communities safer. We are looking for tenacious individuals who are able to think clearly in sometimes stressful and emotionally charged situations, have genuine compassion and empathy to support victims of crime together with the passion to serve our communities every single day.

You will demonstrate excellent communication skills to be able to engage with individuals across a wide range of situations and from all backgrounds and be committed to delivering the best service possible.

You will be eligible to apply for our Degree Holder Entry Programme if you already hold a Bachelor’s degree or above in any subject (or international equivalent) at the time of application. You are not eligible to apply for the DHEP route if you hold or are working towards the Degree in Professional Policing.

You must also hold a level 2 (GCSE or functional skills equivalent) at a grade C/4 or above, these must be uploaded and evidence at the time of application.

Should you hold a valid College of Policing assessment centre score, which is less than 18 months old and you meet the required eligibility criteria, we are able to accept this and you will not be required to resit the assessment centre again.

What we offer

You will be paid while you learn and start on a salary of £32,256, whilst undertaking the 2 year course, you are required to attend training at UWE and Police Headquarters Monday to Friday working normally between 08:00-16:00.

You will then spend 14 weeks working in uniform policing, working days, late and night shifts, where you will be supported by a tutor until you are signed off for Independent Patrol.

Finally you will arrive on your CID Team where you will begin to deal with more serious crime. You will be tutored through the process of investigating crimes by gathering and assessing evidence, interviewing victims and suspects, and preparing case files for court. In this role as a detective, you will be contracted to work 40 hours per week plus paid overtime, and should expect to work, day, late and weekend shifts. In the longer term you will be able to move into more specialist roles and/or seek promotion opportunities.

All applicants will be progressed for an anticipated May course start date.

Ready to Take the Next Step?

If selected, you will be invited to attend a compulsory familiarisation event held which will either beat Portishead, Headquarter or Virtual via teams where you will learn more about the role and assessment process.

Pension Benefit

• A pension that grows with you, whatever stage you’re at
• Alongside your salary, you’ll be enrolled in the Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS), administered by Peninsula Pensions. This is a high‑quality defined benefit pension, providing a secure, inflation‑linked income for life, based on your earnings and length of service.
• If you’re early in your career, it’s a valuable way to start building long‑term financial security from day one, with employer contributions that significantly boost the value of every pound you pay in.
• If you’re more experienced, the scheme offers a level of certainty and stability that is now rare, helping you plan confidently for the future with predictable retirement income and benefits for your dependants.
• Find out more: https://www.peninsulapensions.org.uk/local-government/

Diversity & Inclusion

Diversity is a strength and individuality is an asset. We recognise the benefit different life experience and perspectives can bring.

Closing Date

We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive a high volume of applications. We encourage interested candidates to apply as soon as possible to ensure their application is considered.