Detective Constable – Detective Constable Entry Programme (DCEP)
We are now accepting applications, so if you want to start a career that really matters, then please apply now
The DCEP Pathway is particularly popular, therefore due to anticipated high application numbers we would like to encourage you to apply at your earliest convenience.
Please be aware that as of now any new applications who successfully navigate the recruitment process are likely to be offered start dates post October 2026.
Change needs you, start a career like no other in London’s Met: -
The Met is working hard to restore Londoners trust and confidence, reduce crime and maintain high standards. To do this we recognise the need to change. Whilst that change takes time, we want people like you to join and help to make a big difference.
We’re looking for people who share our values of integrity, courage, accountability, respect and empathy to join the dedicated, honest, committed, hard-working officers and staff already in our team. Those who are committed to working hard to bring offenders to justice, protect vulnerable people and deliver the change needed for London and its communities.
With your determination, we will help you reach your full potential as a Met police officer and be the best you can be for yourself, your community and London.
If you thrive on problem solving; have good communication skills and love teamwork, then this is the job for you.
As a detective you’ll work as part of a team to deliver a high-quality service to the public we serve. You’ll support victims of crime when they need your help the most and bring offenders to justice. You’ll investigate and analyse evidence to uncover the truth. Your job will be varied – from undertaking search warrants and making arrests to seeing a case through to its conclusion at court. All whilst reducing crime and building trust with Londoners. Ultimately making London safer.
Why choose a career with the Met Police?
It is a challenging and hugely rewarding career with excellent pay and benefits; stability but with opportunities for variety and promotion like no other employer can offer. You could find yourself working to safeguard a child or vulnerable adult; tracing someone whose gone missing; or tackling those criminals that cause communities the most harm. You can move up the ranks and lead your own investigation teams. Ultimately, it will be up to you to choose where you take your Met career.
- An Adventure Like No Other: Every day brings new challenges, mysteries to solve, and lives to protect. From bustling streets in Camden to historic sites in Westminster, your work keeps London safe.
- Inclusive & Diverse: We celebrate the rich tapestry of London’s communities. We welcome applicants of all backgrounds, genders, abilities, and experiences. Your unique perspective is our strength.
- Develop Your Skills: Receive world-class training, mentorship, and ongoing support. Grow your career through specialisms like cybercrime, forensic investigation, and community engagement.
- Make a Difference: Build trust, solve crimes, and bring justice to those in need. Your dedication will help make London a safer, more inclusive city for everyone.
Important information about entry routes – Please apply for your chosen entry route, we aim to offer you the entry route of your choice, however if that route becomes fully subscribed, we may offer you an alternative based on your qualifications, skills and experience. Our Detective Constable Entry Programme is particularly popular entry route, and as such we encourage you to submit a fully completed application at your earliest convenience.
Detective Constable Entry Programme – now open - join us post October 2026 onwards.
Our Detective Constable Entry Programme (DCEP) incorporates a ‘uniform first’ approach where recruits will spend additional time working within a front-line uniformed police constable role. We believe this experience will provide our future detectives with greater exposure to the skills, knowledge and experience needed to build a more rounded officer and more effective investigator.
Extending the time, you spend in uniformed roles will give you more contextual knowledge to underpin your investigative learning, enable you to learn alongside more experienced internal Trainee Detective Constables on the Crime Academy modular course, and increase the pool of officers who can be deployed to support corporate aid requirements.
It’s a four-year programme and the training is based on the national policing curriculum and focuses on preparing you to become a substantive police constable and a well-rounded detective.
Through different roles including public protection and local investigations you’ll enhance your skills and knowledge. You’ll be fully supported throughout your training.
You will be regularly assessed on your knowledge, skills and behaviours but you will not be required to undertake an academic qualification as part of your training.
Eligibility
Our top priorities are to build more trust, reduce crime and police with high standards. We’re looking for people from all backgrounds to join us, especially from London’s communities. We encourage applications from those who share our values of integrity, courage, accountability, respect and empathy.
See how you measure up against the criteria below.
Academic requirements:
To be eligible for our Detective Constable Entry Programme you must hold, or be working towards one of the following:
- A recognised UK degree (level 6) qualification or,
- An equivalent overseas degree supported by an ENIC Statement of Comparability (to confirm the UK level 6 equivalent of your overseas qualification), and a functional English Language Level 2 qualification.
Age:
If you are 17 when you submit your application, you will be able to progress through our recruitment process, but you will not be able to start your training until you are 18.
Nationality:
If you’re from outside the UK, it’s essential that you have indefinite leave to enter or to remain in the UK.
Physical fitness:
You will need to pass our fitness test. If you do some form of regular exercise, you should have no issue meeting that requirement. You must also meet the police eyesight standards agreed by the College of Policing.
Tattoos:
Some tattoos will stop you working for the Met depending on what they depict and where on your body they are.
Criminal conviction/caution:
If you do have any criminal convictions or cautions on record you can still apply, eligibility will depend on the age and nature of the offence.
Membership of groups or organisations:
You will not be able to join the Met if you are a member of a group and/or organisation that contradicts our values or ethics and our commitment to inclusion.
Once your application has been submitted, please keep your eye on your emails (including junk folder) as well as on the recruitment portal for any application updates. We also will be sending monthly email newsletters that we hope you find informative and useful in navigating the recruitment process.
Apply now to start your Met career – a career that matters.
