Key Takeaways
- A two-year training programme to become a Police Constable with Thames Valley Police.
- Starting salary of £35,361 per annum, rising to over £55,000 by year seven.
- Requires English GCSE and two A-Levels, or equivalent professional experience.
- Applications primarily for Oxfordshire, but other locations may be considered.
- The application process includes online assessments, interviews, and pre-employment checks.
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.
- This programme does not include academic assessment or accreditation.
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 Oxfordshire, covering Abingdon, Banbury, Bicester, Cowley, Didcot, and Witney police stations. Locations in Buckinghamshire or Berkshire may also be considered if you can reach them.
Entry Requirements
- Age: At least 17 on application, 18 by 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: UK resident for the last 3 years.
- Qualifications/Experience: English GCSE (A*-C/9-4) or equivalent Level 2 qualification, AND two A-Levels (A-E) or equivalent. Alternatively, relevant professional experience (e.g., armed forces, emergency services, police staff, PCSO/Special Constable, teaching, youth work) will be assessed on a case-by-case basis.
- Driving Licence: Full UK manual or automatic driving licence required before a formal offer.
- Health: Good physical and mental health to perform duties.
- Tattoos/Piercings: None that cause offence.
- Location: Live within 40 road miles and a 1-hour commute of two main police stations before a formal offer. Flexibility in posting is expected.
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/assessment, medical, references, vetting)
Further Information
Thames Valley Police also offers the Police Constable Degree Apprenticeship (PCDA) for those who wish to gain a degree qualification during their training.
Visit www.tvpcareers.co.uk/police-officer to learn more.
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.