Gwent Police - Detective Constable Entry Programme

Do you want to become a Detective and obtain a professionally recognised qualification with the University of South Wales?

We are currently accepting applications for our Detective Constable Entry Programme (DCEP). Our exciting DCEP entry route is your opportunity to become a fully accredited detective in just two years. Candidates who are currently enrolled or have already obtained a degree specifically in Professional Policing Practice are not eligible to apply.

Detectives are responsible for investigating serious and complex crimes, supporting victims and leading the case management of such crimes through to conclusion. The role can be challenging, and you will need to be resilient, resourceful, analytical and compassionate. However, it is a role like no other and one which offers much professional and personal reward.

This two-year programme also sees you achieve a Level 5 Diploma in Professional Policing Practice but, as you'd expect, learning is biased towards an investigative perspective.

You also need to successfully complete the National Investigators Examination and meet the Professional Investigation Programme Level 2 assessment criteria to become a PIP2 accredited detective.

STANDARD POLICE CONSTABLE ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS:

Candidates must be a minimum 17 years of age at the time of submitting an application. However, MUST be 18 years of age at the time of commencing employment.
Candidates MUST hold a full UK manual driving license at the time of commencing employment.
Candidates MUST be within a BMI range of between 18 – 32, or be able to achieve being in this range at the time of commencing employment.
Candidates MUST be able to complete a shuttle run (bleep test) up to level 5:4.

THE RECRUITMENT PROCESS

Online Assessment Centre: 15 - 22 AUGUST 2025

Force Interviews:22 - 26 SEPTEMBER 2025

Fitness, Medical, Drugs & Biometric Tests: OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2025

Earliest Available Intake Date: MARCH 2026

TRAINING INFORMATION:

Learning is fully funded by Gwent Police.
All recruits, regardless of entry route and previous experience, will commence on a salary of £29,907 rising to £48,231 within 7 years.
Employed as a Police constable from day one.
Receive a blend of practical on-the-job learning with classroom-based training.
Your initial training will be supported by our dedicated in-house training team followed by working operationally in uniform under the guidance of a tutor to gain Independent Patrol Status. You will be required to work shifts (including nights) after your initial training.
You will be required to complete workbooks and University assessments throughout the duration of your chosen entry route programme alongside your practical on-the-job learning.
In your 2nd year of training, you will be required to successfully complete the National Investigators Examination and meet the Professional Investigation Programme Level 2 assessment criteria.

We are welcoming applications from diverse or minority groups who are underrepresented in the force. To find out more please contact Positive.Action@gwent.police.uk.

For details of the role and recruitment process please visit Police officers | Gwent Police or have a read through the PCER Factsheet and FAQ document below.

For more support and advice please contact centralrecruitment@gwent.police.uk

Please note: All queries and correspondence including documentation throughout the whole process will be sent and received from centralrecruitment@gwent.police.uk as well as noreply@policejobswales.tal.net. Please add these to your favourites/approved sender list within your emails and continually check your junk email folders!

You are not eligible to apply for the above-mentioned entry route if you hold or are currently studying towards the Degree in Professional Policing Practice.