Detective Constable - Degree Holder Entry Programme (DCDHEP)

West Midlands Police; West Midlands; On-site; GBP 31,000 - 51,000; Full time

Job summary

A regional law enforcement agency in the UK seeks a Detective Constable through their Degree Holder Entry Programme. This position involves investigating complex cases, supporting victims, and completing a Graduate Diploma in Professional Policing. Successful candidates will enjoy a starting salary of £31,164, progressing to £50,256 in seven years, and extensive benefits including 25 days annual leave. Ideal candidates must have a degree or be in their final academic year, and pass fitness and vetting checks.

Benefits

25 days annual leave

Pension scheme

Employee support

Qualifications

• Must have a degree or be in the final academic year.
• Must meet the bleep test standard of 5.4.
• Must pass medical and vetting checks.

Responsibilities

• Investigate complex cases and provide support for victims.
• Work towards a Graduate Diploma in Professional Policing.
• Train as a uniformed Police Constable and specialise as a Detective.

Skills

Investigative skills

Problem-solving

Communication

Education

Degree (Level 6 or above) in any subject

Job description

Do you have a passion for solving puzzles? Are you a seeker of truth? Do you want a career like no other, with the opportunity to earn a professional qualification while you learn? If so, join West Midlands Police as a Detective Constable through our Degree Holder Entry Programme (DCDHEP). As a Detective Constable, you’ll investigate complex cases, uncover hidden truths, and deliver justice to those who need it most. You’ll provide critical support for victims of crime while building trust with communities to achieve successful case outcomes. This is a demanding, fast-paced role – but one that comes with huge rewards and job satisfaction.

If you already have an active application to become a Police Officer, please do not submit another. You can log into Oracle to check the progress of your existing application. If you were successful in becoming a Police Officer within the past 3 months, please do not reapply. Unfortunately, we are unable to accept new applications if you were unsuccessful within the past 3 months.

About the DCDHEP Programme

• Graduate Route, open to degree holders in any subject, this two-year programme equips you with the skills to become a fully qualified Detective.
• Graduate Diploma, alongside your policing career, you’ll work towards a Graduate Diploma in Professional Policing, recognised internationally.
• Blended Learning, a combination of in-house training, university-led learning, and practical frontline experience. Training is delivered in WMP classrooms and virtually.
• Structured Pathway:
  • Year 1: Train as a uniformed Police Constable, working with Response and Neighbourhood teams, wearing uniform, and responding to emergency calls on a 24/7 shift pattern.
  • Year 2: Specialise in the Detective pathway, training with units such as the Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID) and Investigations teams to build the expertise needed for detective work.
• Future Opportunities– Once fully qualified, you can apply for promotion or specialise in areas such as Counter Terrorism, Serious & Organised Crime, Fraud, or County Lines.

You could find yourself working in departments including the Public Protection Unit (PPU), FCID, Homicide, or the Regional Organised Crime Unit (ROCU)– no two cases or days are the same.

What’s in it for you?

• Starting salary: £31,164.00, rising annually up to £50,256.00 within seven years.
• Graduate Diploma in Professional Policing (on successful completion).
• 25 days’ annual leave, rising to 30 after five years.
• Extensive benefits, including pension scheme, employee support, staff networks, and professional development opportunities. See our benefits webpage for more details.
• A rewarding career – bring justice to victims, protect communities, and uncover the truth.

Who can apply?

You must have:

• A degree (Level 6 or above) in any subject, at any grade, OR
• Be in the final academic year of your degree (eligibility dependent on completion).

Only final degree certificates will be accepted, these must be uploaded with your application.

Fitness, Medical & Vetting

• Must meet the bleep test standard of 5.4.
• Must pass medical checks, which may include drug and fitness testing.
• Must pass our required vetting checks. See our Vetting FAQ for more information.

Residency & Nationality

• Lived in the UK for the past three years.
• Must be a British, Irish, or EEA national, or have the right to work in the UK without restrictions.

Application Process

• Our careers website provides a step-by-step breakdown of the process.
• Training & Probation– A two-year blended learning programme, combining academic study with specialist detective training.