Police constable entry route | Police Constable Degree Apprenticeship

Job Description

Join us as a student officer – either as a police constable or detective constable. The role of a detective constable is not too dissimilar to the role of police constable; both are of the same rank but have different operational roles.

• police constable you will play a critical front-line role of the prevention and detection of crime
• detective constable you will receive specialist investigative training and be the lead investigator for serious and complex cases

We offer four entry routes to allow you to choose the option that best fits your qualifications and experience – whatever you choose, you will be a welcome member of our team.

• If you have relevant work experience apply for Police Constable Entry Programme (PCEP)
• If you don’t have a degree but have A-levels apply for the Police Constable Degree Apprenticeship (PCDA)
• If you have a degree apply for the Degree Holder Entry Programme (DHEP)
• If you have a degree in professional policing or are in your final year apply for the Degree in Professional Policing (pre-join degree)

The entry requirements are varied – you don’t need a degree or A-Levels to join us, but we do require a minimum standard of education or equivalent work experience.

Full details about eligibility for each entry route can be found on our website – https://www.kent.police.uk/pc-jobs

Do you want to be part of a brilliant team making a positive difference to the people of Kent? A job where no two days are the same, but you know you are making a difference to those in our communities, often at the time they need you the most? If you do and you’ve got good communication skills, love teamwork, thrive on variety, and don’t want to be tied to a desk – then being a police constable could be the job for you.

The job comes with excellent pay and benefits, stability with varied career progression, leadership pathways and opportunities for promotion.

During the process you will be asked to identify which division you would prefer to work from. Your preference will be accommodated where we can, but this may not always be possible, and you could be posted to anywhere in the county.

Not sure, want to find out more? We hold a number of recruitment events and workshops which offer further information about the role and Kent Police – www.kent.police.uk/application-workshops

Health and fitness

Policing is not easy. Not only do you need determination and drive, but you also need to be healthy and have a good level of fitness.

Some medical conditions can prevent you from being able to cope with the physical and mental demands of the job. Further details can be found at www.gov.uk/government/publications/national-recruitment-standards-medical-standards-for-police-recruitment

If you do some form of regular exercise, you should have no issue meeting the physical requirements of the job. You will be required to run a 15-metre track in time with bleeps which get increasingly faster. You need to meet level 5.4 on the bleep test to be successful.

If you fail on your first attempt don’t worry. You’re allowed two more attempts within 12 weeks. If after the third attempt you are not successful, we will be unable to continue with your application.

Tattoos, piercings, scarification’s and ear stretchers

If you have a tattoo, you’ll be asked to provide a brief and accurate description and two digital colour photos of each tattoo to show the location of the tattoo and another close-up to show the image of the tattoo. Visible tattoos that are deemed unacceptable are those that could reasonably be interpreted as discriminatory, offensive or indicative of views which are inconsistent with the College of Policing code of ethics and standards of professional behaviour will exclude you from joining.

If you have a body piercing, scarification, or ear stretcher you may be considered eligible to join. We will check to make sure it doesn’t breach the standard of professional behaviour or constitute a risk to health and safety.

Criminal conviction/caution

Ideally, you should not have a criminal conviction or cautions record. If you do have one, eligibility will depend on the age and nature of the offence.

Apply now to start your rewarding career with Kent Police.

Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

Pay: £32,907.00-£51,231.00 per year

Benefits:

• Additional leave
• Company events
• Company pension
• Cycle to work scheme
• Discounted or free food
• Employee discount
• Free parking
• Gym membership
• Health & wellbeing programme
• On-site parking
• Sick pay
• Store discount

Schedule:

• 10 hour shift
• 12 hour shift
• 8 hour shift
• Day shift
• Night shift

Application question(s):

• Have you lived in the UK continuously for the last three years? This does not apply to those serving abroad with the British Armed Forces.
• Have you been unsuccessful in an application for the same role with any Home Office forces in the last six months?
• Do you have a full UK category B driving licence?
• Will you be able to commute to your posted location which could be anywhere in Kent? Your area preference will be accommodated where we can, but this may not always be possible, and you could be posted to anywhere in the county.

Work authorisation:

• United Kingdom (required)

Work Location: In person

Reference ID: Police constable and detective constable