Gwent Police - Police Constable Neighbourhood Programme

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

Do you meet any of the below criteria:

No qualification but willing to complete an online English and Maths assessment as part of the online application process
Hold at least a Level 3 Qualification (equivalent to 2 A-Levels) in any subject

POLICE CONSTABLE NEIGHBOURHOOD PROGRAMME (PCNP)

Suitable for candidates wishing to train to become a Police Constable whilst also studying towards a level 5 qualification in Policing. The PCNP is a two-year training and study programme designed to equip you with the professional knowledge and skills required to meet the complex policing challenges we face today, whilst contributing to a positive policing culture.

Please read through the information below and if you are interested in joining, click ‘apply’ at the bottom of this page!

The PCNP is a new and exciting opportunity if you are considering a career in policing. Neighbourhood officers are problem solvers, change-makers and protectors at the heart of the community. Their responsibilities range from addressing knife crime and violence against women and girls to preventing anti-social behaviour. This role focuses on finding solutions, building trust, and creating safer streets for everyone.

Every neighbourhood has the right to feel safe. Neighbourhood policing aims to lead change where it is most needed, ensuring safety for every street corner, every family, and every significant moment. This career not only builds trust but also prevents harm and strengthens communities from within.

These elements distinguish neighbourhood policing from other broader policing functions. It is a vital component of the UK policing approach, designed to connect communities directly and seamlessly to specialist policing services at local, regional, and national levels.

As a Police Constable every day is different, with new challenges, it’s a chance to make a real difference to the community. We are looking for enthusiastic and dedicated people who will be committed to our vision; to be the best at understanding and responding to the needs of the community; to protecting the most vulnerable, catching criminals and keeping the public safe, whilst also abiding by the policing Code of Ethics and Gwent Values.

"Doing the right things, in the right way, for the right reasons"

KEY ACTIVITIES:

Engage with partners to support and safeguard vulnerable individuals and groups within the community to prevent them becoming victims or repeat victims of crime or disorder.
Support community engagement, including crime prevention, building social cohesion and building community confidence in policing.
Understand the local issues to protect the community.
Problem solving to reduce anti-social behaviour and disorder in the community.
Play a crucial role in gathering community intelligence.
Identify root causes of issues and respond to, and resolve problems, rather than just reacting to incidents
Engage with educational establishments, educating young people to prevent them from entering the criminal justice system.

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.
After initial training you will reach independent patrol status where you’ll be allocated to a station for the remainder of your two-year programme where you will learn ‘on the job’. You will be required to work shifts (including nights) after your initial training.
In Year 2, you will strengthen your critical thinking and problem solving in the operational Policing arena. The program will culminate in summative assessments of your knowledge and operational learning and practice, leading to full operational competence and confirmation in rank. You’ll be fully supported and given everything you need to succeed!

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.