Police Constable Entry Programme (PCEP) / Detective Constable Entry Programme (DCEP)

Police Constable Entry Programme / Detective Constable Entry Programme (PCEP/DCEP)

£31,164

Can you see yourself … as a Police Constable?

Do you want a career which is challenging, where no two days are the same and where your actions and decisions will help to ensure that Staffordshire is a safer place to live?

If so, then a career as a Police Constable with Staffordshire Police may be just the job for you. 

We are Recruiting for both Police Constable and Detective Constable Route. 

To be eligible for this route and to apply you must have the following; 

Please be aware, we will require copies of your certificates in order for you to progress through the recruitment process - Please upload these via the Certificate upload section on the main application form.

• Level 2 qualifications in both English and Maths for example a GCSE at grade C (level 4) or above, Functional Skills Level 2, Key Skills Level 2 (Communication and / or Literacy) or Adult Numeracy / Literacy 
  
  
• Hold a full UK manual driving licence

Experience will be considered for those that do not hold their Level 2 qualifications:

• Minimum of 12 months operational experience within the past 12 months in any of the following roles:
  
  
  • PCSO
  • IO
  • Special Constable
  • CDO
  • Prison Officer
  • Armed Forces background (not including deployment)
  • Military background (not including deployment) 

What is classed as Operational experience? This refers to the knowledge and skills gained through practical involvement in operations. Experiences will be reviewed by the Recruitment Team upon submission of your application. Please ensure you list all relevant experience on your application.

About the role

Policing is a job like no other and you will need to have a passion for public service, excellent customer service skills, the ability to build relationships and work in a team, and the commitment to make a difference to the lives of the communities of Staffordshire. Staffordshire Police is a diverse area with both rural and urban conurbations, serving over 1 million people.

For more information about becoming a Police Constable at Staffordshire Police, please click on the link below:

Police Officer | Staffordshire Police

We have a range of intakes, candidates will be informed on which intake they would join following a successful selection process.

Selection Process

•    Application - closing 30th January 2026
•    National Sift - throughout advert 
•    Online Assessment Centre - 12th - 19th February 2026
•    Face to Face Interview - W.C 27th April 2026 
•    Pre-Employment Checks
•    Course commencing in November 2026

In addition to your salary, you will have access to a range of benefits including:
 
•    Access to health and wellbeing support 
•    Eye care vouchers
•    On site Gyms 
•    Annual Leave entitlement.
•    Pension Scheme 
•    Sick pay scheme
•    Fostering friendly policy
•    Family friendly policies – maternity, paternity, parental leave, adoption, disability leave and carers leave 
•    Reward and Recognition
•    Blue light Card 
•    Lottery
•    Free Parking at selected sites 
•    Onsite Catering facilities 
•    Federation Support
•    Financial Products and services 
•    Staff Networks to support 
•    Cycle to work scheme

Please note; Annual leave dates are already set for the duration of the course therefore if you have any holidays/special occasions booked for 2026/2027 these may not be accommodated and result in a delay of a start date. Please inform us of any dates at the point of an offer.

Closing date for receipt of submitted applications; 30th January 2026 12.00pm

Due to the high volume of interest in this position, we may have to close the advert earlier than anticipated. We would encourage you to complete your application as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.

Staffordshire Police is fully supportive of Equality, Diversity and Inclusion and strives to employ a workforce that represents the community we serve. 

Our vacancies are open to everyone and all appointments are made based on merit.  We encourage and welcome applications from  all underrepresented groups which include: Black, Asian, and minority ethnic backgrounds, female, people who have a disability, those who are neurodivergent and persons of the LGBTQ+ community.

We use positive action to encourage potential candidates from underrepresented groups through targeted step-In support and advice sessions.  If you have the skills, experience and values, that here in Staffordshire Police we pride ourselves on, then we would welcome you to apply.

There will be Step in support sessions throughout the selection process. For more information on Positive Action please email the team on positive.action@staffordshire.police.uk

Residency Eligibility 

Please note you will need to have been a resident in the UK for the last three years consecutively for RV Level roles and five years for MV Level roles (see below link around Vetting for more information)

Please note if you are successful at interview and commence pre-employment checks this will include vetting, please see what this involves and the process via the below link:

Police vetting process | Join The Police (joiningthepolice.co.uk)

We want to continually improve our recruitment processes and to remove any barriers to equal opportunities that could disadvantage those from particular backgrounds. In order for us to have the information to do this, we ask you to please complete the diversity section of the online application process. We use a “blind” shortlisting process and we hope that by using this method we will be able to promote greater diversity in our workforce and remove any subconscious decisions based on biases.

We want to ensure our recruitment process is inclusive and accessible and we operate the Disability Confident Scheme for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria.

If you need reasonable adjustments to progress your application please contact hrrecruitment.team@staffordshire.police.uk to discuss your needs.

Staffordshire Police aim to ensure a person with a disability has the right to access everyday work spaces and services. Access is not only about a physical means of entry; it is about making services easy to use for everyone.