Police Constable Entry Programme (PCEP - 2026 - C3)

Derbyshire Constabulary; East Midlands; On-site; GBP 31,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

Derbyshire Constabulary is inviting applications for an Operational Police Officer to serve the public on the front line. You’ll respond to a wide range of incidents, make complex decisions, and work with communities to protect lives and uphold public confidence.

Starting salary £31,164, with annual progression to £50,256 within seven years, plus rewards and benefits. The role requires adaptability, resilience and a commitment to equality, diversity and human rights.

Qualifications

• 2 A levels or Level 3 equivalent or be in your final year of study.
• Be a current PCSO who has completed your development plan, passed probation, served 12 months and is up to date with mandatory training.
• Be a Special Constable with independent patrol status, 16 hours per month consistently completed, and up‑to‑date mandatory training.
• Be a current NIO with PIP1, completed probation, 12 months’ service and all mandatory training.
• Have 2 years' experience in a public‑facing role currently employed in one of the following areas: Investigation, Emergency Services, Armed Forces or Prison Service.
• You must also hold a full, valid UK or EU manual driving licence before pre‑employment checks can progress.

Responsibilities

• Provide a frontline response to a broad range of incidents—often complex, sometimes confrontational—making proportionate decisions based on risk, threat and harm.
• Play a key role in local partnerships, working with organisations and communities to problem‑solve, engage, reassure and build trust.
• Engage sensitively and professionally with victims, witnesses, suspects and vulnerable individuals, ensuring you uphold equality, diversity and human rights at all times.
• Identify risks to individuals and take resolute action to protect them, addressing safety or vulnerability concerns before they escape.
• Conduct effective priority and high‑volume investigations, creating high‑quality case files that support criminal justice processes.
• Gather, handle and act on information, intelligence and evidence in line with legislation, policy and guidance.

Skills

Decision making

Communication

Interpersonal skills

Problem solving

Education

2 A levels or Level 3 equivalent

Job description

A Unique Role. Unique Challenges. Unmatched Impact.

Join Us as an Operational Police Officer!

If you’re looking for a career where every day is different and your actions truly matter, becoming a Police Constable with Derbyshire Constabulary could be the perfect next step. This is a role that demands adaptability, quick thinking and a commitment to doing the right thing—even when no one is watching.

As a frontline officer, you’ll never quite know what the next call will bring. You’ll work long, often 12‑hour shifts, meet people from every walk of life and be expected to make decisions that protect lives and uphold public confidence. It’s challenging, unpredictable and fast‑paced—but it’s also incredibly rewarding. From safeguarding the vulnerable and saving lives to making your community feel safer, this is a career filled with purpose and pride.

When you join us, you’ll be part of a forward‑thinking, innovative force dedicated to keeping Derbyshire safe for everyone who lives, works and visits here.

Salary

Starting salary: £31,164, rising annually to £50,256 within 7 years.

What You’ll Be Doing

As an Operational Officer, you’ll:

• Provide a frontline response to a broad range of incidents—often complex, sometimes confrontational—making proportionate decisions based on risk, threat and harm.
• Play a key role in local partnerships, working with organisations and communities to problem‑solve, engage, reassure and build trust.
• Engage sensitively and professionally with victims, witnesses, suspects and vulnerable individuals, ensuring you uphold equality, diversity and human rights at all times.
• Identify risks to individuals and take resolute action to protect them, addressing safety or vulnerability concerns before they escape.
• Conduct effective priority and high‑volume investigations, creating high‑quality case files that support criminal justice processes.
• Gather, handle and act on information, intelligence and evidence in line with legislation, policy and guidance.

The Must Haves

You Must Have One Of The Following

• 2 A levels or a Level 3 equivalent or be in your final year of study. OR
• Be a current PCSO who has completed your development plan, passed probation, served 12 months and is up to date with mandatory training. OR
• Be a Special Constable with independent patrol status, 16 hours per month consistently completed, and up‑to‑date mandatory training. OR
• Be a current NIO with PIP1, completed probation, 12 months’ service and all mandatory training. OR
• Have 2 years' experience in a public‑facing role currently employed in one of the following areas: Investigation, Emergency Services, Armed Forces or Prison Service.
• You must also hold a full, valid UK or EU manual driving licence before pre‑employment checks can progress.

Please review the qualification and experience guidance before applying—it’s your responsibility to ensure you meet the criteria at application stage.

Anticipated start: Spring and Sumer 2027.

Training: 32 weeks (leave is pre‑booked throughout this period).

What’s in It for You?

At Derbyshire Constabulary, we’re committed to creating an environment where you feel supported, empowered and able to be your best. You’ll benefit from a wide range of rewards and benefits designed to help you thrive both professionally and personally.

Please note:

once we receive sufficient applications, the campaign may close earlier than advertised.

Who We Are

We’re Derbyshire Constabulary—a force that puts people and communities at the heart of everything we do. Innovative, inclusive and committed to excellence, we’re here to protect, support and serve.

We welcome applications from individuals from all backgrounds and encourage anyone who has considered a career in policing to apply. We’re particularly keen to increase the number of females and candidates from black and minority ethnic communities and the LGBT community, so that we can truly reflect the communities that we serve in.