POLICE CONSTABLE ENTRY PROGRAMME (PCEP)

What’s involved in the non-degree holder entry route?

A 2-year programme, where you can train to be a 999 response officer, a detective or a neighbourhood officer. The costs of the course are all covered by our Force.
You begin with an initial 18-week period of classroom–based learning. Located at Coach Lane campus, Newcastle working Mon-Fri 9am-5pm.
Your learning will focus on risk and vulnerability, your role as an officer, legislation, the investigative process and much more.
For those training to be a detective or a 999 response officer, the second part of your first year will involve joining experienced officers in 999 response. For those joining us on the neighbourhood pathway, you’ll be paired up with a neighbourhood team. You’ll have a dedicated tutor who will build your skills and offer practical and pastoral support.
After a further month of classroom learning, you’ll then be placed into a neighbourhood or CID (criminal investigation department) team to broaden your knowledge of policing.
You’ll spend the majority of year two with your operational shift, consolidating your experience gained so far.
There are operational and academic assessments throughout 2 year programme.

What qualifications do I need?

You must have an achieved English and Maths GCSE (A*-C/9-4) or an equivalent Level 2 qualification (e.g. Functional Skills, O-Level or CSE Grade 1) and two A-Levels (A-E) or equivalent.

If you don’t have A-Levels but do have at least one year of professional experience working in areas such as those below, we encourage you to apply. This is not an exhaustive list and all previous experience will be assessed on a case-by-case basis.

Experience

Armed forces
Border force
Criminal justice sector/CPS/courts
Cyber/digital and financial fraud crimes
Emergency services
Health and social care sectors
Justice and law enforcement sectors
Police staff, particularly custody, public contact/demand hub/enquiry office roles and investigative roles
PCSO or Special Constable
Prison service
Professional services/project management
Teaching
Youth work

What support will I get?

You’ll be supported to reach your full potential and succeed in the graduate programme. A dedicated tutor will guide you through your first few months who will help you build your skills and offer practical and pastoral support.

The role of a police officer is a challenging one. We continue to invest in trained mental health first aiders onsite and other valuable support mechanisms, an employee advice service offering 24/7 access to trained counsellors and a peer-led support programme as well as other holistic approaches to caring for your wellbeing.

Where will I be based?

Once at final offer stage of your application, we’ll let you know where you will be based. The decision is based on our needs as an organisation, but also takes into account where you live, any personal circumstances or restrictions of areas you cannot work. We always try to make your commute to work as reasonable as possible, but we’re unable to guarantee that you’ll be placed in a nearby area.

Ready to get started?

Before you apply to become a 999 response officer, detective or neighbourhood officer you’ll need to join a mandatory information event.

Here, you’ll gain insight into what working at Northumbria Police is really like, find out more about the application process and how to prepare for the role, eligibility requirements, police officer pay & benefits, and you’ll have the opportunity to speak to current officers.

Choose your preferred date below to sign up to an upcoming Teams, online event.
Can’t make these sessions? We’ll be running events all year, check back for later dates.