Police Constable Entry Programme (PCEP)

South Yorkshire Police; South Yorkshire; On-site; GBP 31,000 - 36,000; Full time

Job summary

A regional police force in South Yorkshire is seeking applicants for the Police Constable Entry Programme. This role offers an opportunity to protect and serve the community, with positions available for both degree and non-degree holders. Responsibilities include engaging with diverse populations and maintaining public trust. Applicants must meet age and residency criteria and may need a full driving license by February 2026. Starting salary is £31,164 with various benefits including training and support.

Benefits

Starting salary of £31,164

Annual leave of 25 days plus bank holidays

Access to a generous pension scheme

Ongoing training and development opportunities

Qualifications

• Must be a British citizen or eligible resident.
• Must be at least 17 years old at application and 18 before appointment.
• Must hold or obtain a full manual driving licence by specified date.

Responsibilities

• Protect communities and individuals across South Yorkshire.
• Meet diverse populations in urban and rural settings.
• Maintain high standards of professionalism and accountability.

Skills

Social and emotional intelligence

Conversational skills

Ability to diffuse situations

Education

Two A Levels (Grade A-E)

Level 3 qualification

Job description

Role: Police Constable Entry Programme (PCEP)

We are now accepting applications for Police Constable Entry Programme (PCEP).

Becoming a police constable is a career like no other. Not only will you be taking on challenges that will change your life, but you’ll be working to protect the people and communities of South Yorkshire. This is a career where you’ll travel between urban cities and rural towns, meeting people from all walks of life.

Whether you’re a sixth form or college leaver, a supermarket worker or ex‑military, we know that you’ll have plenty of transferable skills which you can bring to a career with the police. Things like following processes, social and emotional intelligence, conversational skills and the ability to diffuse a situation are all skills we search for in our candidates. If you have the relevant experience and strengths, all you have to do is apply.

Joining the police force is a life choice. There will be a lot expected of you, especially when it comes to working nights and unsociable hours, but no day is the same. This is a career that will keep you on your toes; it is a challenge, but the reward is immense.

We are accepting applications from both degree and non-degree holders.

Qualifications/Experience:

• Two A Levels (Grade A‑E) or a minimum Level 3 qualification as defined in the Education and Skills Act 2008.
• A current serving PCSO who has completed their professional development plan, passed their probationary period and served 12 months in post.
• A current serving Special Constable who has attained independent patrol status, served 12 months in post and consistently completing sixteen hours per month.
• A current serving Investigating Officer who has attained PIP 1 qualification and served 12 months in post.
• Have served in the military, armed forces and have successfully completed the minimum term of service (usually 4 years) and have achieved an exemplary reference on discharge.
• If you have worked in a Police Staff Role with South Yorkshire Police and have substantial operational experience, you may be eligible to apply. You will need to provide evidence from your role, including responsibilities and any relevant training. This will be reviewed on a case‑by‑case basis and you may be required to discuss your experience with a member of the recruitment or training team to assess your suitability.

Documents:

• Driving licence (a copy of both the front and back is required)
• Tattoos (only if visible)
• Qualifications (certificates of both Level 2 English & Maths & Level 3 qualifications are required)
• Supporting evidence (if applicable i.e., military certificate of service)

For guidance on uploading your documents please click here.

On application all applicants:

Must be 17 or above at the time of application, however you will need to be 18 before appointment.

Have resided in the UK for three continuous years immediately prior to application.

Must be either a British citizen, a citizen of the EU or other states in the EEA, or a Commonwealth citizen or foreign national with indefinite leave to remain in the UK.

Ideally, you will hold a full manual driving licence, applications will be accepted if you don't have a full manual driving licence, however you will be expected to have taken and passed your test by 24th February 2026.

Must not have tattoos on your hands, neck, forearms or face that could be offensive. Any visible tattoos will be reviewed on a case‑by‑case basis.

Cannot be a current or previous member of a proscribed terrorist organisation or group.

For further information, please visit our eligibility criteria & FAQ’s pages.

What we offer:

• Starting salary of £31,164
• Adjustment grant for applicants who can demonstrate a reduction in salary on starting with the force
• Annual leave of 25 days increasing with length of service plus bank holidays
• Access to a generous pension scheme
• Ongoing training and development opportunities leading to rank progression, Sergeant, Inspector, Chief Inspector, Superintendent, Chief Superintendent and beyond.
• Employee assistance service (accessible 24/7) covering a wide range of health, wellbeing and lifestyle issues
• Support and advice from our Occupational Health Unit
• Access to established staff support groups

For further information, please visit our ‘what we offer’ page.

South Yorkshire Police’s overarching aim is to deliver an excellent police service to support safer communities. The public’s assessment of our excellence is influenced by the level of trust and confidence in us, as an organisation and as individuals. In comparison to the general public, police officers and police staff are held to a higher standards of behaviour and accountability. In applying to join the police, applicants are accepting of these higher standards and understand the implications on their right to privacy.

South Yorkshire Police’s Key Values:

At South Yorkshire Police we have 3 key values which run through everything we do Fairness, Integrity & Trust, the attached document details the key behaviours we expect all employees to adhere to.

To view the document, please click here.

Recruitment Timeline:

Please make sure you are available for dates within all stages of the recruitment process as alternatives may not be able to be accommodated. Dates are subject to change.

National Sift: 17th – 24th February 2026

Online Assessment Centre: 26th March 2026 – 2nd April 2026

Force Interview: 11th May – 29th May 2026

We are an organisation that welcome, support and value those from underrepresented communities. From difference comes invaluable life experiences, ideas and ways of thinking and by encouraging individuality we are working towards serving our communities and understanding our public better. Please visit our diversity and inclusion page to find out more:

To apply for the role, please click the ‘Apply’ button.

• Degree Level Level 3 Award/Certificate or Diploma