Police Constable Entry Programme

Bedfordshire Constabulary; Northampton; On-site; GBP 31,000 - 51,000; Full time

Job summary

A regional police force in Northampton is seeking applicants for the Police Constable Entry Programme, a two-year journey that begins with training in personal safety, operational policing, and ICT systems. Candidates must have a minimum of a grade C in GCSE English and a full UK manual driving licence. The programme offers a starting salary of £31,164 plus allowances, with potential increments up to £50,256, alongside benefits like generous leave and pension schemes.

Benefits

Contribution-based pension scheme

Annual leave starting with 25 days

Comprehensive training and coaching

Qualifications

• GCSE in English Language at a minimum of grade C or 4 (or equivalent).
• Full UK manual driving licence required.
• Written English is a key requirement for success.

Responsibilities

• Attend Personal Safety Training and emergency life support sessions.
• Learn and apply operational policing skills and ICT systems.
• Co‑operate with experienced officers on daily policing duties.
• Participate in work‑based learning and apply new skills.
• Aim for Independent Patrol Status.

Education

GCSE in English Language at a minimum of grade C or 4

Full UK manual driving licence

Job description

Overview

This programme is guided as a Level 5 learning opportunity and written English is a key requirement for success with this route alongside assessments and assignments. The Police Constable Entry Programme (PCEP) is a new entry route for joining the police which provides an excellent opportunity to be employed as a police officer from day one on a two year training programme.

PCEP is a two-year learning programme with a 20 week initial phase of learning and four returning weeks in year two further developing your understanding about key topics such as leadership, inclusion, investigation skills and public protection. During the first 20 weeks you will attend Personal Safety Training and will be introduced to the wide range of ICT systems used by the police.

Throughout the programme your knowledge and skills will be assessed using a variety of techniques including exams, presentations, short essays and a full work‑based occupational competency portfolio. The training teams offer coaching that is tailored to each student officer, and provide workplace adjustments where required.

When you move to your designated policing area in Bedfordshire you will work alongside experienced police officers. You will be coached and mentored by trained tutor constables, and once you achieve Independent Patrol Status you will be fully deployable and able to patrol alone.

Responsibilities

As a police constable you will:

• Attend Personal Safety Training, emergency life support, safeguarding and crime investigation sessions.
• Learn and apply operational policing skills and use a wide range of ICT systems.
• Co‑operate with experienced officers on daily policing duties in Bedfordshire.
• Participate in work‑based learning and apply new skills to operational duties.
• Adopt a “safe and lawful” standard of practice and aim for Independent Patrol Status.

Qualifications

• GCSE in English Language at a minimum of grade C or 4 (or equivalent qualification, such as level 2 functional skills in English) – certificates or statement of results must be provided at the point of application.
• Full UK manual driving licence.
• Written English is a key requirement for success in this programme.

Compensation

A starting salary of £31,164 (plus £1,500 South Eastern Allowance) for full‑time work (40 hours per week). As a police constable you will be eligible for annual increments up to a salary of £50,256.

Benefits

• Contribution‑based pension scheme with generous benefits.
• Annual leave starting with 25 days, increasing to 30 days based on length of service.
• Comprehensive training and coaching throughout the two‑year programme.