Police Officer DHEP (Degree Holder Entry Programme)
A new entry route for Avon and Somerset!
We’re excited to offer the opportunity to join our growing organisation in a career that enables you to make a difference in your community as a Police Constable in our Neighbourhood Directorate.
What is the DHEP programme?
The Degree Holder Entry Programme (DHEP) is an exciting opportunity for talented individuals from all backgrounds to enter the Police service on a 2-year programme to become a Police Constable within our Neighbourhood team. As part of this you will have the added benefit of obtaining a Level 6 Diploma in Professional Policing Practice, whilst working and earning a full salary.
The programme includes classroom delivery, practical application and tutorship and study which is split between the UWE campuses and Police Headquarters in Portishead.
Joining our organisation is the start of your journey and the first step towards a career in policing.
We empower our people to be leaders and offer support every step of the way. We want you to be successful in your development and offer a dedicated training package to ensure that you are supported throughout the programme. We also offer several other opportunities thereafter to further develop your future career aspirations within our organisation.
As a Police constable you will be motivated by wanting to make a difference in your local community, playing a critical role working on issues and concerns that affect our communities. You will be part of a team who strive to make a difference and provide the best service to our public.
Neighbourhood officers work in the heart our community, with a focus on problem solving and engagement. You will work alongside internal and external partners such as Police Community Support Officers, local councils, and charities and many more. You will act on community intelligence, working alongside specialist colleagues to tackle knife crime, drugs and offenders wanted on warrant as part of wider Force operations.
Whether you have finished higher education or are thinking about a change of career, our police officers come from all backgrounds and join/work together with a shared goal to make the lives of those within our communities safer. We are looking for tenacious individuals who can demonstrate excellent communication skills and engage with individuals across a wide range of situations and from all backgrounds and be committed to delivering the best service possible.
You will be eligible to apply for our Degree Holder Entry Programme if you already hold a Bachelor’s degree or above in any subject (or international equivalent) at the time of application. You are not eligible to apply for the DHEP route if you hold or are working towards the Degree in Professional Policing. You can apply here: Police officer recruitment process (PPD route) | Avon and Somerset Police
You must also hold a level 2 (GCSE or functional skills equivalent) at a grade C/4 or above, these must be uploaded and evidence at the time of application.
Should you hold a valid College of Policing assessment centre score which is less than 18 months old and you meet the required eligibility criteria, we are able to accept this, and you will not be required to the assessment centre again.
What we offer
You will be paid while you learn and start on a salary of £28,551. Whilst undertaking the 2-year course, you are required to attend training at the University of the West of England and Police Headquarters, Monday to Friday, working normally between 08:00-16:00.
You will then spend 14 weeks working in response policing, working days, late and night shifts, where you will be supported by a tutor until you are signed off for Independent Patrol.
Finally, you will arrive on your neighbourhood team where you will be tutored through the process of dealing and responding to crimes, working with the public to resolve community issues and provide support to response officers. In this role as a police constable, you will be contracted to work 40 hours per week plus paid overtime and should expect to work, day, late and weekend shifts. In the longer term you will be able to move into more specialist roles and/or seek promotion opportunities.
For more information around the role, programme structure and what we offer in return, please visit our website here – Police officer Degree Holder Entry Programme | Avon and Somerset Police
This is a very competitive process therefore the application window may close early if we feel we have enough successful applications submitted. We encourage you to submit your application as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.
At present we are recruiting for vacancies across the Force area, however we do have particular demand in the South Somerset area.
Should your application be successful, you will be required to attend a compulsory familiarisation event which will be held on 8th and 14th May.
The virtual college of policing assessment centre will be held 7 th June, and you will have 1 week complete all 3 assessments.
Please be advised that the anticipated start date for this course intake is 18th November, so this will be an expedited recruitment process.