Police Constable Degree Apprenticeship (LE 25b)

Leicestershire Police; Leicester; On-site; GBP 29,000 - 49,000; Full time

Job summary

Leicestershire Police offers a Police Constable Degree Apprenticeship, allowing individuals to earn a degree while serving as police officers. The role involves community engagement, frontline response, and various responsibilities to ensure public safety, with a structured training program and competitive salary.

Benefits

Salary increments

Discounts via Bluelight Card

Flexi scheme

Pension contributions

Cycle to work scheme

Qualifications

• Level 2 in Maths and English required.
• Two A levels or equivalent needed.
• Current serving PCSO or Special Constable considered.

Responsibilities

• Provide frontline response to incidents and assess risks.
• Engage effectively with victims and support communities.
• Conduct investigations and develop case files.

Skills

Community Engagement

Problem Solving

Risk Assessment

Education

Level 2 in Maths and English (grade C/4 or above)

Two A levels or Level 3 equivalent

Job description

Police Constable Degree Apprenticeship (PCDA) - Job Description

The Police Constable Degree Apprenticeship (PCDA) route into policing offers an exciting opportunity for individuals from all backgrounds to obtain a degree while working and earning a full salary as a police officer.

The PCDA programme, delivered in partnership with De Montfort University, includes classroom learning, practical application, and tutorship. The programme is split between university and our police headquarters in Enderby, with rotations across various departments in the second year and opportunities to apply for specialisms in the third year.

Being a Police Constable involves unpredictability. You will work long hours, typically 12-hour shifts, engaging with a diverse range of people, and acting with integrity at all times—whether in uniform or not. It is a role that offers some of the most rewarding days of your life, from protecting vulnerable individuals and saving lives to making your community safer. It is a diverse, exciting, and vital role.

In return, you will work for a forward-thinking police force dedicated to keeping Leicestershire safe.

Salary

Apprentices do not contribute to their degree costs but remain in probation for three years. The starting salary is £29,907, increasing to £31,164 in year 2, £32,427 in year 3, and within 7 years, £48,231.

Responsibilities

1. Provide frontline response to incidents, including complex and confrontational situations, assessing risks and responding appropriately according to law and policy.
2. Lead in local partnerships to problem-solve, engage, reassure, and support communities and organizations.
3. Engage effectively with victims, witnesses, suspects, and vulnerable individuals, providing support and gathering information to prevent and reduce crime.
4. Maintain awareness of risks to individuals and take action to protect and support those in need of public protection.
5. Conduct investigations, develop case files, and support criminal justice processes.
6. Gather and handle information, intelligence, and evidence in line with legislation and policies.

Minimum Qualifications

• Level 2 in Maths and English (grade C/4 or above) at application.
• Two A levels or Level 3 equivalent, or in last year of study.
• Current serving PCSO who has completed development plan, probation, and mandatory training.
• Current serving Special Constable with independent patrol status, completing 16 hours/month, up-to-date training.
• Current serving ISA with 12 months in role, having attended training, completed probation, and up-to-date training.
• Hold a driving license within 6 months of start date.

Please review the attached qualification guidance before applying. Leicestershire Special Constables with IPS or DMP do not need to undertake the National Sift or Online Assessment Centre.

Training and Cohort

Training starts on 6 March 2026, lasting 30 weeks. During this period, leave will be pre-booked; prior holidays or arrangements cannot be accommodated. Places are limited and will be awarded to the highest scoring candidates.

Recruitment Process

1. Eligibility Questions and National Sift
2. Application Form
3. Online Assessment Centre
4. National Interview and Assessment
5. Pre-employment Checks

Benefits

We support our staff with a range of benefits including salary increments, discounts via Bluelight Card, flexi scheme, pension contributions, cycle to work, and more.

Next Steps

If you see yourself here, we encourage you to apply. Guidance on the recruitment process is available. Register for upcoming webinars here. Recruitment closes on Sunday, 1 June 2025, at 23:55, but may close earlier if sufficient applications are received.

About Us

Leicestershire Police covers over 2,500 square kilometers, serving a diverse population of over one million. We have taken many steps to embed policing within local communities. Visit our careers website to learn more and see how you can make a difference.

We welcome applications from all backgrounds and are especially eager to increase diversity, including encouraging applications from women, ethnic minorities, and the LGBT community, to better reflect the communities we serve.