Police Constable – Police Constable Entry Programme (PCEP)
Looking for more than just a job? The Police Constable Entry Programme (PCEP) offers a rewarding career where every day brings new challenges, opportunities to help others and the chance to make a real difference in your community. You'll earn a full salary from day one while gaining the skills, experience and support needed to become a confident police officer.
Every police officer has a moment they look back on the moment they decided to step forward. For some, it was wanting to protect their community. For others, it was the drive to help people on their hardest days. For you, it might be today.
Your First Chapter: Training That Shapes You:
Your journey begins with 24 weeks of immersive learning at our training centres in Sulhamstead and Kidlington. You’ll learn the law, practise real‑world scenarios, and build the confidence to step into the role. You'll also take part in interactive knowledge checks designed to support your learning and help you track your progress.
Then, you’ll join your Local Command Unit, where experienced officers will coach and mentor you as you take on real policing responsibilities. Through coaching, mentoring and ongoing assessment, you'll continue to develop your skills, gain valuable operational experience and build your confidence in a real policing environment.
After two years, you’ll become a substantive Police Constable, ready to explore the many paths policing can offer from neighbourhood policing to investigations, safeguarding, roads policing and more.
Where Your Story Unfolds:
This recruitment is for Oxfordshire, covering - Abingdon • Banbury • Bicester • Cowley • Didcot • Witney.
Your Journey to Joining Thames Valley Police
Applying is straightforward, and we'll keep you informed at every stage.
- Check You're Ready - Complete our self-assessment questionnaire to make sure you meet the eligibility requirements.
- Submit Your Application - Apply online and review our Be Prepared to Apply guidance to help you put forward your best application.
- Online Assessment - If eligible, you'll complete the National Sift and Online Assessment Centre.
- Meet Us - Successful candidates will be invited to attend an in-person interview.
- Conditional Offer - Following a successful interview, you'll receive a provisional offer to join us.
- Pre-Employment Checks - We'll complete the final checks, including fitness assessment, medical screening, references and vetting.
- Start Your Journey - Once all checks are complete, you'll begin your training and take the first step towards becoming a Police Constable.
Who You Are:
- You don’t need a degree.
- You don’t need to have worked in policing before.
- You just need the drive to serve, the resilience to learn, and the commitment to your community.
What You’ll Earn
- Starting salary: £35,361 (including £3,105 South East allowance)
- Based on current pay scales, officers typically earn £55,000+ by year seven
As your career grows and so does your earning potential.
You must also meet the following
Eligibility
- Aged 17+ on application (18 on your first day)
- British citizen, EEA national with Settled/Pre‑Settled status, or ILR holder
- UK resident for the last 3 years
- English GCSE (A*–C / 9–4) or an equivalent Level 2 qualification, and two A‑Levels OR at least one year of professional experience.
Other Requirements
- Full UK driving licence before formal offer (manual or automatic)
- Good physical and mental health
- Tattoos/piercings must be appropriate for a public‑facing role
- Live within 40 miles / 1 hour of two main stations before offer
- Vetting - All roles require police vetting in line with the National Vetting Code of Practice. Residency requirements help ensure fair and consistent checks.
A Force That Welcomes You
We want our officers to reflect the communities we serve. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, cultures and identities especially those currently under‑represented in policing, including people from ethnically diverse communities, LGBTQ+ people and people of faith.
We are committed to an inclusive recruitment process. If you require any reasonable adjustments at any stage of the application, assessment or interview process, we will work with you to ensure you have the support you need to perform at your best.
What We Give You in Return
- Annual Holiday Entitlement.
- Police Pension scheme and Group insurance Schemes.
- Wellbeing services.
- Staff support networks.
- Buddy schemes.
- Discount schemes including Blue Light Card.
- Access to regular training courses including leadership development.
- Continuous professional development with opportunity for career progression.
- Military veterans transitioning directly to a police career are eligible for a one-off payment of £2,500 (for police officers) or £1,500 (for staff roles).
Developing You
We promote continuous learning and professional development so you can reach your full potential.
Your Story Starts When You Decide It Does
If you’re ready to step forward, ready to serve, protect and make a difference we’re ready to welcome you. Start your journey at: www.tvpcareers.co.uk/police-officer
