Police Constable Entry Programme (PCEP) - Hertfordshire Constabulary


Posted on 25th Feb 2025

Police Constable Entry Programme (PCEP) - Hertfordshire Constabulary

Police Constable Entry Programme (PCEP)

Entry requirements:

GCSE English and Maths graded C or 4 and above or level 2 functional skills in English and Maths

AND

A Level 3 qualification (2 A Level passes at Grade E or above or an equivalent qualification)

OR

Evidence of at least one year’s employment/experience in a role with comparable skills to policing or academic study (see list below). 

OR 

PCSOs or Special confirmed as fit for independent patrol and those leaving Armed Forces 

Comparable Experience 

 Experience re vulnerability/caring for others/working with communities: 

  • Nursing / Care Sector  
  • Social Work 
  • Youth Work 
  • Charity Work  
  • Teaching  

Experience in the justice and law enforcement sectors 

  • Police Staff – particularly Custody, public contact/demand hub/enquiry office roles, investigative roles,  
  • Criminal Justice sector/CPS/Courts 
  • Border Force 
  • Prison Service 

Relevant local authority experience which has involved close and sustained working with police 

  • Integrated Offender Management services 
  • Emergency Planning 
  • Community Safety Experience  

Experience of emergency services – ambulance, fire 

Experience of cyber/digital and financial fraud/crimes 

  • Specialist roles in banking and financial sector.  
  • Digital Investigations  

Customer service experience through full-time or part-time roles 

  • Hospitality, retail, customer service representative, receptionists, or other equivalent public facing roles. 
  • Business Development or Sales roles in any sector 
  • Health & Fitness - Personal Trainers or equivalent 
  • Other relevant experience in the last three years that would demonstrate an ability to effectively carry out the role of police officer  

Programme details:

Duration 2 years
Starting salary
- £32,907 (includes £3000 South-East regional allowance)

Hours - Full-time (40 hours per week
Qualification level
– Guided as level

Training overview

The initial phase of learning is 20 weeks and will be based at one of our training locations, either Welwyn Garden City or Letchworth.

This programme is focused on developing policing skills with key models and theories used routinely within a policing environment.

In year two you will return for four additional weeks of training to further develop your understanding about key topics such as leadership, inclusion, investigation skills and public protection.

Benefits of this route

  • Salary progression up to £51,231 (including regional allowance)
  • Contributory pension scheme
  • 25 days annual leave (rising to 30 with service)
  • A fulfilling career making a real difference

You could play your part in continuing to build the standards, practices and reputation of policing for the better!

Programme information

You will learn a wide range of policing skills including Personal Safety Training, emergency life support, safeguarding, crime investigation, operational policing skills, and there are a wide range of ICT systems to learn about.

Our training teams understand that you may not yet know very much about policing. No assumptions are made, and each student officer is offered coaching to achieve the requirements in a very tailored way. 

We also have lots of experience if you need any workplace adjustments – everyone will be screened for Dyslexia and given personal feedback as necessary.

You will then move to your designated policing area in Hertfordshire and join a team working alongside experienced police officers.

Out on patrol, you will be coached and mentored by trained tutor constables who will support you to achieve a “safe and lawful” standard of practice, before being signed off as fit for Independent Patrol Status, meaning you can patrol alone.

You’ll be immersed in day-to-day policing. This will help you understand the context of what you learn, enabling you to develop the skills and experience needed for this challenging role, as you actively contribute to reducing crime and harm in the communities of Hertfordshire.

Your knowledge and skills will be assessed throughout the programme using a variety of techniques including exam, presentations and short essays.

You will also need to compile a work-based Operational Competency Portfolio and pass operational assessments of a range of critical policing skills, including - providing effective initial response to a critical incident, engaging proactively with communities, conducting effective evaluation of intelligence, and providing support to vulnerable people, victims and witnesses.

Once you have successfully completed your two-year probation, you will be able to consider further opportunities of progression and specialism within our force.

Join us!

Become a Police Officer in Hertfordshire and help shape the future of Policing.

You will be welcomed, whatever your background, and supported throughout the programme by our friendly teams.

Make a genuine, positive impact in your community.

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