DCEP - Detective Constable Entry Programme - 10th November 2025
Join Wiltshire Police as a Detective Constable
Start your journey in November 2025
Starting Salary: £29,907 | Progression to £48,231 after 7 years
Are you ready to make a real difference in your community? Wiltshire Police is now recruiting for our Detective Constable Entry Programme (DCEP) — a direct pathway into a dynamic and meaningful career in criminal investigation.
About us
At Wiltshire Police, we are dedicated to making our community a safer place for everyone. Our team is committed to upholding the highest standards of integrity, professionalism, and service. We believe in creating a supportive and inclusive environment where every member can thrive and make a meaningful impact. Whether you’re just starting your career or looking to advance, Wiltshire Police offers a range of opportunities to grow and develop. Join us and be part of a team that values courage, compassion, and dedication to public service. Help us to keep Wiltshire safe.
We’re proud to be an Equal Opportunity employer, and we’re committed to building an inclusive, diverse community that celebrates and welcomes everyone.
If there are any adjustments we could make to the recruitment and selection process to support you, please let us know
About the role
As a Detective Constable, you’ll play a crucial role in protecting our communities, uncovering the truth, and delivering justice. This is a challenging but highly rewarding role where every day brings new opportunities to learn and contribute.
- Attending and managing crime scenes
- Supporting and safeguarding victims and witnesses
- Leading complex investigations
- Interviewing suspects and witnesses
- Gathering intelligence on local criminal activity
- Presenting evidence to the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) to secure prosecutions
- Working alongside Response and Neighbourhood teams to prevent and detect crime
You’ll work closely with colleagues and external partners, forming a strong team committed to keeping Wiltshire safe.
What you will be doing
The Detective Constable Entry Programme (DCEP) offers a A three-year comprehensive learning programme with a combination of theoretical practice (based on the National Policing Curriculum) and work-based learning, with exposure to a suite of investigative business areas.
During your first 24 weeks of initial training (including two scheduled weeks holiday) you will undertake your initial Police Learning Phase (IPL) you will be provided with a timetable for this period, typically it is Monday-Friday 09:00am- 17:00pm at Wiltshire Police Headquarters. Please note that no leave other than the scheduled two weeks can be taken during your first 24 weeks as an officer.
Following your initial training you will then join one of our Local Policing Teams to gain practical on the job experience with a Tutor.
Within your second year of training, you will join our Volume Crime Team during which period you will take the National Investigators Exam (NIE) and begin your PIP 2 training, followed by a period of tutorship within the Criminal Investigative Department (CID).
During your third year your tutorship within CID will continue and your PIP 2 portfolio will be due for completion (this must be completed within 12-18months of the NIE)
About you and your experience
Before applying, please review the Standard Eligibility Requirements- Click Here For More Information
We are looking for people who share our values of impartiality, integrity, public service and transparency. And who share our high standards of behaviour.
If you have great communication skills, enjoy teamwork, and thrive on variety then this is the job for you!
Educational Requirements:
- You must have achieved English GCSE (A*-C/9-4) or an equivalent Level 2 qualification (e.g. Functional Skills, O-Level or CSE Grade 1)
- Together with two A-Levels (A-E ) pass or an equivalent Level 3 Qualification
If you do not have two A Levels or equivalent but do have at least one year of professional experience working in areas such as those below, we encourage you to apply. (Note that this is not an exhaustive list and all previous experience will be assessed on a case-by-case basis.):
- Armed forces
- Border force
- Criminal justice sector/CPS/courts
- Cyber/digital and financial fraud crimes
- Dedicated investigation or analytical role
- Emergency services
- Health and social care sectors
- Justice and law enforcement sectors
- Police staff, particularly custody, public contact/demand hub/enquiry office roles and investigative roles
- PCSO or Special Constable
- Prison service
- Professional services/project management
- Teaching
- Youth work
- Hospitality
Join Us:
We are proud of being a truly inclusive organisation who provides fair and equal consideration to all of our applicants. We encourage and welcome applications from people of all ages, genders, ethnicities, nationalities, disabilities, sexual orientation, religions or beliefs and of neuro divergence.
What we offer
- Structured salary progression, with annual increases
- Excellent career development opportunities
- 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays, rising to 30 days
- Flexi hours scheme
- Free Gym membership
- Physical and mental well-being support
- Generous Pension scheme
Ready to apply?
Be part of the change you want to see in policing. Take the first step toward a fulfilling career and apply now to join Wiltshire Police as a Detective Constable.
For more information or support with your application:
- Telephone: 01225 256 922
Apply today and help us keep Wiltshire safe.