Police Constable - Degree Holder Entry Programme - (DHEP)

West Midlands Police; Birmingham; On-site; GBP 29,000 - 49,000; Full time

Job summary

A regional law enforcement agency in Birmingham seeks candidates for its Degree Holder Entry Programme to train as Police Constables. You will be responsible for community safety, protecting vulnerable individuals, and tackling crime. With a starting salary of £29,907, rising up to £48,231 in seven years, the role offers comprehensive training and career development. Applicants must hold a degree in any subject and meet fitness and medical standards.

Benefits

25 days' annual leave, rising to 30 after five years

Pension scheme

Employee support and staff networks

Professional development opportunities

Qualifications

• Ability to operate under pressure in emergency situations.
• Committed to ongoing professional development.
• Must pass medical checks, including drug and fitness testing.

Responsibilities

• Play a vital role in keeping communities safe.
• Protect vulnerable individuals and tackle crime.
• Participate in training and professional development.

Skills

Fitness to pass the bleep test standard of 5.4

Ability to work in varied environments

Strong communication skills

Education

Degree (Level 6 or above) in any subject

Job description

Are you looking for a career like no other? Do you want the opportunity to use your degree while gaining hands-on experience from day one? If so, join West Midlands Police through our Degree Holder Entry Programme (DHEP). As a Police Constable, you'll play a vital role in keeping our communities safe, protecting the vulnerable, and tackling crime. This is a challenging but hugely rewarding career where no two days are ever the same.

About the DHEP Programme

• Graduate Route, open to graduates in any subject, this programme allows you to train as a Police Constable while studying for a Graduate Diploma in Professional Policing.
• Two-Year Programme, a balance of in-house training, university-led learning, and frontline policing.
• Blended Learning, classroom teaching (delivered at WMP sites and virtually) is combined with on-the-job experience and digital study.
• Ongoing Support, you'll receive guidance and mentoring from experienced officers throughout.
• Future Opportunities - Once you've completed your two-year probation, you'll have access to a wide range of career paths, including specialist units (Firearms, Dogs, Roads Policing, Investigations, Drones) and progression into leadership roles.

Please note: This is not a direct Detective route. However, after initial training, you may apply to join our Detective Academy pathway.

What's in it for you?

• Starting salary: £29,907, rising annually up to £48,231 within seven years.
• Graduate Diploma in Professional Policing (on successful completion).
• 25 days' annual leave, rising to 30 after five years.
• Extensive benefits, including a pension scheme, employee support, staff networks, and professional development opportunities. See our benefits webpage for more details.
• A career that matters, make a lasting impact on communities while developing your skills and future.

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 application process.
• Training & Probation - A two-year blended learning programme combining policing experience with academic study.