POLICE CONSTABLE ENTRY PROGRAMME (PCEP)

Why choose the Police Constable Entry Programme (PCEP)?

  • Two-year training programme with a blend of classroom-based learning and practical on the job training to equip you will the skills and experience you need to meet the demands of modern policing

  • Unlike other entry routes, you don’t need to study towards a degree during your training

  • You don’t need to have a degree to apply for this entry route

Why choose the Police Constable Entry Programme (PCEP)?

  • Two-year training programme with a blend of classroom-based learning and practical on the job training to equip you will the skills and experience you need to meet the demands of modern policing

  • Unlike other entry routes, you don’t need to study towards a degree during your training

  • You don’t need to have a degree to apply for this entry route

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.

Explore roles and ranks

Frequently asked questions

What hours will I be working?

When you are deployed in one of our area commands you will work a variety of shift patterns, day and night, in line with our 40 hours a week requirement.

Do I need to pay for this programme?

No, there are no costs associated with the Police Constable Entry Programme.

What will I earn?

From day one, the starting salary for new officer is £28,551. Within 7 years you can earn £46,044. To find out more about the pay scales for police officers, visit the pay and benefits page.

About 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 and focusing on areas including law & legislation, understanding police powers, and elements of effective communication. 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.

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.

Explore roles and ranks

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

Whilst undertaking classroom-based learning you will work Monday-Friday 9-5pm. When you are deployed in one of our area commands you will work a variety of shift patterns, day and night, in line with our 40 hours a week requirement.

No, the academic costs of this degree are covered by Northumbria Police.

From day one, the starting salary for new officer is £28,551. Within 7 years you can earn £46,044. To find out more about the pay scales for police officers, visit the pay and benefits page.

The role of a police officer is a challenging one, and you can 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, 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 you need to know before you apply

Pay & Benefits

Explore starting salary, earning potential and a whole host of benefits at TeamNP.
Read More

Eligibility Requirements

Review your eligibility against the conditions to become a police officer.
Read More

Application Process

Understand the application process and preparation required.

Read More

Why choose TeamNP?

Thriving support networks, our investment in your wellbeing and development and more.
Read More

What you need to know before you apply

Pay & Benefits

Explore starting salary, earning potential and a whole host of benefits at TeamNP.
Read More

Eligibility Requirements

Review your eligibility against the conditions to become a police officer.
Read More

Application Process

Understand the application process and preparation required.

Read More

Why choose TeamNP?

Thriving support networks, our investment in your wellbeing and development and more.
Read More

What you need to know before you apply

Pay & Benefits

Explore starting salary, earning potential and a whole host of benefits at TeamNP.

Read More

Eligibility Requirements

Review your eligibility against the conditions to become a police officer.
Read More

Application Process

Understand the application process and preparation required before you behind your TeamNP journey.
Read More

Why choose TeamNP?

Thriving support networks, our investment in your wellbeing, development and more.
Read More

READY TO GET STARTED?

Applications are currently closed, but we invite you to express your interest and be the first to know when we re-open in early 2025.

By registering your interest, you’ll receive updates on recruitment timelines, be informed about upcoming events and information sessions and get notified when our recruitment re-opens.

In the meantime, find out more about the application process and how to prepare for the role, eligibility requirements, police officer pay & benefits, and life at #TeamNP. If you have any questions about becoming a uniformed police officer, or a detective, you can contact our Talent Acquisition team.

Register your interest