Expression of Interest - Detective Constable Entry Programme; DCEP

As a Detective Constable, you can change your life and the lives of others.

Being a detective is demanding, diverse and incredibly fulfilling. From cyber‑crime, domestic abuse and child protection, through to homicide, high‑level drugs importation and serious organised crime; you will help solve some of the most serious crimes possible. Analysing the evidence, interviewing suspects, taking a case to court – you will uncover the truth and seek justice for victims.

If you have the compassion to help build trusting relationships; the tenacity to see a case through from start to finish; the desire to get justice for victims and the emotional resilience to keep calm, yet confident, then a detective career could be for you.

This is an intensive course, which will require commitment and dedication to both serving the public and meeting the demands of the programme. In return, we promise a good starting salary, supportive working environment, great training experiences, opportunities for progression and, upon successful completion of your learning, a graduate diploma in professional policing practice.

You will be paid a full time salary of £31,164 plus £2,000 South East Allowance.

With this vast range of career opportunities to explore and diverse demands each day, policing is a job like no other, dedicated to catching criminals, protecting communities and delivering an outstanding service.

To apply to DCEP you must:

• be aged 17 years or over on the day you submit your application. You must be 18 years or over to start in post
• have lived in the UK for 5 continuous years immediately prior to application and have leave to enter, or leave to remain in the UK for an indefinite period
• have a current full UK manual driving licence, by the time of appointment
• not be a member (current or previous) of the British National Party (BNP) or any other proscribed terrorist organisations or groups
• not have tattoos which cause offence
• not have serious motoring offences
• not have 6 or more points on your licence

To be eligible for the DCEP you will need to:

• Have achieved one A Level grade (A*–C) and one A level grade A*–E or AS level in a different subject, or a level 3 equivalent or a higher qualification. You must have a minimum of 48 UCAS points. Applicants can hold a Level 3 BTEC as long as this qualification meets the minimum 48 UCAS tariff points. The Certificate in Knowledge of Policing is accepted.
• Have achieved GCSE English at grade A*–C/9–4 or an educational equivalent to a Level
  2. Degree Holders do not need to provide a Level 2 English qualification unless your degree was taught and assessed in a language other than English.

Applicants in their final year of studying towards a Level 3 qualification or a Degree can apply using predicted grades. You will need to supply proof of your qualifications when you receive your results in August/September.

Applicants without a Level 3 qualification can be considered if:

• they are a current serving (or have left within the last 18 months, having completed 18 months' service) as a Special Constable or PCSO with Independent Patrol with any police force
• they are a current serving Investigating Officers, PIP Investigators, Contact Officers or Controllers who have completed 18 months service (or have left within the last 18 months, having completed 18 months' service)
• they have served for a minimum of 2 years within the last 5 years in the armed forces or similar law enforcement agencies and have exemplary references
• experience in other operational policing roles can be considered on a case by case basis for candidates who have served a minimum of 2 years within the last 5 years and have exemplary references

Applicants who do not meet the above Level 3 criteria and believe they have work experience equivalent to a level 3 can apply and have their work experience assessed against a Level 3 framework. You will be asked to complete a written experience assessment and online verbal reasoning and numerical tests. The results will then be assessed by a panel who will certify whether your previous work experience is equivalent to a Level 3 qualification.