Detective Constable Entry Programme (DCEP)


Posted on 3rd Oct 2025

Detective Constable Entry Programme (DCEP)

Greater Manchester Police (GMP) are excited to announce a new Direct Entry Programme for Detectives, this programme is perfect for those with valuable life skills and prior work experience and with the following essential criteria. 

Driving Licence

A full UK Manual Driving License is required on application. You will required to produce your Driving Licence during the selection process. 

The role is designed to attract candidates from all parts of the community including various learning establishments and employment sectors particularly social care and the many various roles in the private sector.

We are looking for outstanding candidates who possess strong problem-solving and resilience skills, to join frontline policing within Greater Manchester Police, with drive and passion to provide the best possible police service to all our diverse communities.

Highlights

- Duration: Two-year programme.

- Qualification: Successful candidates will earn the PIP 2 Investigators qualification.

- Eligibility: Degree holders are welcome to apply, but a degree is not a mandatory requirement.

- Salary: Your starting salary will be £31,164 with annual increments rising to £50,256 per annum after 7 years’ service.

- The Police Constable Entry Programme (DCEP) is run by our very own training team at Sedgley Park over a 2 year period.

All applicants must meet the following criteria:

- English and Maths GSCE Grade C/Level 4 or a Level 2 equivalent.

- Any Level 3 qualification or A Level qualification or substantial relevant work experience.

Candidates will be required to have relevant work experience in areas such as those listed below; (please note that this is not an exhaustive list, and all relevant skills and experience will be assessed on a case-by-case basis) This will be assessed in a written exercise to review your transferable skills into this role. If this applies to you, we will contact you at the initial stage of the application process with further information.

- Police Staff Investigative Assistant

- Social Care and/or other safeguarding Professionals

- Any other investigative role, even if that has been in a non-policing environment

- Other Emergency Services or military service

All applicants must also meet the following criteria

- be at least 17 years of age upon application but must be 18 years of age by your first day in the role

- To be eligible to apply for a police officer position, you must be a UK or Irish citizen, or an EU citizen with EU settled or pre-settled status, or a commonwealth citizen or foreign national with no restrictions on your right to live and work in the UK.

- residency – have been a UK resident for the last 3 years. All posts require a level of Police Vetting as per the National Vetting Code of Practice. The residency requirement is necessary to enable all applicants to be checked in an equitable manner. Greater Manchester Police will allow applicants to apply who do not necessarily reach the criteria as long as they have proven UK residency and supporting evidence where necessary. Applications will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

- be in good health and able to perform your duties physically and mentally

- not have any piercings or tattoos which cause offence (please refer to the supporting Information attached to this advert)

Application Process:

- Self-assessment – we encourage all applicants to self-assess your eligibility prior to applying.
- Application including proof of eligibility – see ‘Be prepared to apply’ page on our website.
- National Sift Process
- Online Assessment Process – taking approx. 4 hours
- Final Interview
- Provisional offer
- Pre-employment checks including fitness test, medical, references and vetting
- Start Date

Please see the attached Supporting Information and Frequently asked questions for further information regarding the recruitment process.

Diversity and Inclusion:

At GMP, we are committed to better reflect the communities that we serve. We encourage applications from our underrepresented communities including all ethnic or religious backgrounds, LGBTQ+, women and those with disabilities.

As well as offering the chance of a rewarding career, there are other benefits to working for GMP.

Pay
Annual leave
Shift work and work-life balance
Pension scheme
GMP’s Sports and Social Club
Eligibility for Blue Light Card
Access to a Credit Union
Wellbeing support
Car lease scheme

More Information Application Help

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