Key Takeaways
- Undertake a two-year training programme to become a Police Constable.
- Starting salary of £35,361, rising to over £55,000 by year seven.
- Requires English GCSE and two A-Levels, or equivalent professional experience.
- Locations primarily in Buckinghamshire, with flexibility for Oxfordshire or Berkshire.
- Applications are open now, with a comprehensive online and in-person assessment process.
About the Role
The Police Constable Entry Programme (PCEP) is a comprehensive two-year training programme.
Training
- You will undertake an initial 24-week learning period at training centres in Sulhamstead and Kidlington.
- Following this, you will move to your designated Local Command Unit (LCU) for operational coaching and tutoring.
- There will be no academic assessment or accreditation during this training.
Progression
Upon successful completion of the two-year probation on the PCEP, you will become a substantive Police Constable. You can then explore various opportunities for progression and specialism within the Force.
Salary
- Starting salary: £35,361 per annum (includes £3,105 South-East allowance).
- By your seventh year, officers can expect to earn in excess of £55,000 per annum.
Locations
This application is primarily for Buckinghamshire, covering Amersham, Aylesbury, High Wycombe, and Milton Keynes. Locations in Oxfordshire or Berkshire may also be considered if you can reach them.
Entry Requirements
- Age: At least 17 upon application, 18 by your first day. No upper age limit.
- Citizenship: British citizen, EC/EEA national with Pre-Settled/Settled status, Commonwealth citizen, or foreign national with Indefinite Leave to Remain and no restrictions.
- Residency: Must have been a UK resident for the last 3 years.
- Qualifications/Experience:
- English GCSE (A*-C/9-4) or equivalent Level 2 qualification.
- Two A-Levels (A-E) or equivalent.
- Alternatively: If you do not have A-Levels, at least one year of relevant professional experience (e.g., armed forces, emergency services, justice sector, police staff, PCSO/Special Constable, prison service, teaching, youth work) will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
- Driving Licence: Full UK driving licence (manual or automatic) required before a formal offer.
- Health: Good physical and mental health to perform duties.
- Tattoos/Piercings: None that cause offence.
- Commute: Live within 40 road miles and a 1-hour commute of two main police stations before a formal offer. Flexibility is expected regarding postings.
Application Process
- Self-assessment questionnaire
- Application
- National Sift (online)
- Eligibility checking
- Online Assessment Centre (OAC)
- Interview (in-person)
- Provisional offer
- Pre-employment checks (including fitness test, medical, references, vetting)
Alternative Programme
Thames Valley Police also offers the Police Constable Degree Apprenticeship (PCDA) for those who wish to gain a degree qualification alongside operational training.
Further Information
Visit www.tvpcareers.co.uk/police-officer to learn more.
Diversity and Inclusion
Thames Valley Police is committed to reflecting the communities it serves and encourages applications from under-represented groups (ethnic or religious backgrounds, LGBTQ+, women). The Positive Action and Engagement Team can provide support throughout the recruitment process. Contact: positiveactionteam@thamesvalley.police.uk