Police Constable Entry Programme (PCEP) - Hertfordshire Constabulary
Police Constable Entry Programme (PCEP)
A new training programme for 2024 to become a police officer.
Entry requirements:
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
Duration – two years
Starting salary - £29,907 (plus £3000 southern eastern allowance)
This programme is guided as a Level 5 learning opportunity
The Police Constable Entry Programme (PCEP) is a new entry route for joining the police which provides an excellent opportunity to be employed as a police officer from day one on a two year training programme.
This programme is focused on developing policing skills with key models and theories used routinely within a policing environment.
PCEP is a two-year learning programme with a 20 week initial phase of learning and four returning weeks in year two further developing your understanding about key topics such as leadership, inclusion, investigation skills and public protection.
As an Officer, you will also attend Personal Safety Training and of course, there are a wide range of ICT systems to learn about.
Your knowledge and skills will be assessed throughout this period using a variety of techniques including exam, presentations, short essays and a full work-based occupational competency portfolio.
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 is screened for Dyslexia and given personal feedback as necessary.
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. Once you achieve Independent Patrol Status, you will a fully deployable resource attending jobs by yourself
You will be welcomed, whatever your background, and supported throughout the programme by our friendly teams.
Benefits of this route
A starting salary of £32,907 which includes a South-East regional allowance of £3,000, working full-time (40 hours per week).
As a police constable, you'll be eligible to receive annual increments up to a salary of £51,231 which includes the regional allowance of £3,000.
You'll enjoy the advantages of a contributory pension scheme, which offers generous benefits based on average earnings. You'll start with 22 days annual leave rising to 30 days, dependent on your length of service.
You could play your part in continuing to build the standards, practices and reputation of policing for the better!
Programme information
Your training will begin with a 20 week initial learning phase, attending one of our training centres in Welwyn Garden City or Letchworth.
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.
In year two, there will be four more weeks of training to further develop your understanding about key topics such as leadership, inclusion, investigation skills and public protection.
Throughout your training you’ll undertake work-based learning and you will be fully supported as you apply new skills and knowledge as part of your operational duties.
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.
Core programme modules include -
Personal safety techniques
Policing, police law and police power
Protection, Vulnerability and Operational Policing
Policing Communities
Response and Crime Investigation
Understanding Vulnerability
Specialist Skills
Police Code of Ethics
Criminal Law
Police Procedure
Statement taking and writing
First aid
Interviewing
Police systems
Evidence based policing
Problem solving
National decision model
Search techniques
Wellbeing
Mental health
Domestic abuse
Stalking and harassment
Throughout the course you will need to successfully complete operational assessments to test the skills, knowledge and qualities required to be an officer.
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!
We’re putting crime and harm prevention first. As a Hertfordshire police officer, you'll have the opportunity to enjoy a truly fulfilling career and work your way up the ranks.
Join us and make a genuine, positive difference to people from all walks of life.