Detective Constable Entry Programme (DCEP)
Why join Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary?
Are you looking for a meaningful career where you can make a real impact on people’s lives?
Join Hampshire & Isle of Wight Constabulary as a Detective Constable, and you’ll embark on a journey that offers variety, challenge, and the opportunity to create safer communities. Be part of a dynamic, forward-thinking force, working on the front-line to prevent crime, protect the public, and bring offenders to justice.
What is the Detective Constable Entry Programme (DCEP)?
The Detective Constable Entry Programme is a non-degree holder entry route, and a fantastic opportunity to apply to become an accredited Detective Constable.
During the 2-year programme, you will be provided with the skills and knowledge to become accredited as an investigator, to investigate some of the most serious crimes, and to provide exceptional policing to the communities of Hampshire and the Isle of Wight.
What does a Detective Constable do?
Detective Constables are Police Officers performing one of the most demanding but also rewarding roles in policing.
Detective Constables are the same rank as Police Constables but undertake different roles. As a detective you will deal with the most serious and complex crime including serious assault, homicide, fraud, robbery and serious and organised crime.
Detectives will investigate by gathering and analysing evidence in some of the most challenging circumstances. They solve cases by being tenacious, inquisitive and having an unwavering sense of duty to reach the truth.
Click here to watch a video that helps explain the detective role in Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary.
Attributes of a Detective:
A detective skillset is developed over years of training and experience, but the following attributes are key:
- Report writing
- Critical analysis
- Good Communication skills
- Taking ownership
- Ability to work under time pressure
Salary and Benefits
Joining Hampshire & Isle of Wight Constabulary is more than just a career choice; it’s a chance to secure your future. We know that to perform at your best, you need to feel valued and supported. That’s why we offer:
- Starting Salary: £34,326 (including a £2,070 South East allowance), rising to over £50,000 after seven years.
- Pension Scheme: Enjoy financial security with a competitive pension plan.
- Discounts and Perks: Access retail, food, and leisure discounts through the Blue Light Card and Hampshire Police Leisure & Sports.
- Wellbeing Support: Comprehensive health and wellbeing services, including physiotherapy, occupational health, and an employee assistance programme.
- Work-Life Balance: On-site gym facilities and flexible career paths to suit your aspirations.
- Career Development: Continuous training, mentoring, and opportunities for promotion and specialisation.
Eligibility Requirements
In addition to being able to demonstrate a good standard of Maths and English (written and spoken), you must meet at least one of the following criteria at the point of application:
- 2x Level 3 qualifications OR a Level 3 qualification which is equivalent to 2 A Levels (or higher). To check the level of your qualification, please click here.
- A qualification from outside England and Wales which the UK National Recognition Information Centre (NARIC) recognises as a Level 3 qualification equal to 2 A-Levels.
- Level 3 certificate in Knowledge of Policing or Police Law and Community Certificate.
- Served in the military or armed forces, or similar law enforcement agency, and successfully completed the minimum term of service and have an exemplary reference, for a minimum of 2 years within the last 5 years.
- Served in another emergency service e.g. Special, PCSO or other operational role and have an exemplary reference, for a minimum of 2 years within the last 5 years. (Special Constables must have completed 2 years AND a minimum of 6 months once signed off IPS)
Should you not hold any of the qualifications or previous service listed above, you can choose to undergo an experience assessment as part of the recruitment process.
- A full manual or automatic driving licence is required upon application.
- Have resided in the UK for three years immediately prior to application.
- Not be a member of the British National Party (BNP) or similar organisation.
- Not have tattoos which could cause offence.
- Be a British or Commonwealth citizen, or an EC/European Economic Area national, or a foreign national whose stay in the UK is unrestricted.
What does the Recruitment process consist of?
The recruitment process will consist of the following stages:
1. Submit your application via the ‘Apply’ button on this advert.
2. Your application will then be assessed to ensure you meet the eligibility requirements for the role.
3. Invited to take the College of Policing National Sift assessment.
4. Invited to take the College of Policing National Online Assessment.
5. Invited to the In-House Assessment Day with Hampshire & Isle of Wight Constabulary.
6. Pre-Employment Checks (which include vetting, medical and reference checks)
7. Offer of employment to the Detective Constable Entry Programme.
Positive Action and Diversity
We are committed to building a workforce that reflects the diversity of the communities we serve. We welcome applications from all backgrounds and provide support for candidates through our Positive Action Team.
For more information, email: positive.action@hampshire.police.uk
Attend one of our webinars to find out further information about careers with Hampshire & Isle of Wight Constabulary!
For details of forthcoming careers webinars - focussed on a variety of both Police Staff and Police Officer roles across Hampshire & Isle of Wight Constabulary - please follow this link: Recruitment webinars.
Contact details for an informal discussion
For more information or to apply, contact our Recruitment Team at police.recruitment@hampshire.police.uk or call 02380 451611.
