POLICE CONSTABLE ENTRY PROGRAMME (PCEP)
Why choose the Police Constable Entry Programme (PCEP)?
Why choose the Police Constable Entry Programme (PCEP)?
What’s involved in the Police Constable Entry Programme?
Choosing to join the police is life changing; an opportunity for a career where you can play to your strengths and unlock your potential. With PCEP, you’ll undertake a two-year training programme, emphasising learning practical policing skills and equipping you to meet the complex needs of policing challenges we face today.
The training programme will begin with an initial 18-week period of class-room based learning at our Coach Lane campus focusing on areas including law & legislation, understanding police powers, and elements of effective communication. Whilst undertaking classroom-based learning you will work Monday-Friday 9-5pm. Following this, you’ll work alongside experienced officers as part of a shift in a response team. You’ll have a dedicated tutor to guide you through your first 12-15 weeks, who will help you build your skills and offer practical and pastoral support.
Throughout the programme, you’ll undertake written and practical summative assessments of your knowledge, operational learning and practice. At TeamNP looking after our colleagues is key and you’ll be supported and given everything you need to succeed in the PCEP programme.
What about my wellbeing?
The role of a police officer is a challenging one, and you could be dealing with many different scenarios and face many challenges on your journey with us. You will of course be given the support you need and there is always someone to seek advice from and to collaborate with. 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.
What are the entry requirements?
To join us on the Police Constable Entry Programme, 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, OR relevant professional experience.
If you have a Professional Policing Degree you will automatically be enrolled onto our PCEP entry route.
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: (note that this is not an exhaustive list and all previous experience will be assessed on a case-by-case basis.)
- 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 happens when I complete the PCEP?
Policing is an expansive and diverse career, offering over 50+ specialist officer roles and opportunities for growth and advancement through the ranks.
Once you have successfully completed your probationary period, a wealth of possibilities opens up to you. You can choose to specialise in areas including motor patrols to marine unit, and neighbourhood policing or becoming a detective and investigating more complex crime. Alternatively, you might decide to pursue a leadership trajectory, working your way up through the ranks to attain senior positions within the force.
The dynamic and unpredictable nature of policing ensures that no two days are the same, and the continuous professional development opportunities make it an exciting and rewarding career choice.
Frequently asked questions
About the Police Constable Entry Programme
What you need to know before you apply
What you need to know before you apply
What you need to know before you apply
READY TO GET STARTED?
Sign up to an information event start the application process
Before you apply to become a detective through our graduate programme, or a police officer through our degree holder programme, degree apprenticeship or police constable entry programme you’ll need to join a mandatory virtual information event.
Here, you’ll gain insight into what working as a detective or uniformed police officer 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 about life at #TeamNP.
Once you have signed up and registered your interest, we will be in touch with an email inviting you to book on to a information event of your preferred date and time. If you have any questions about becoming a uniformed police officer, or a detective, you can contact our Talent Acquisition team.