Starting your journey as a police officer

Welcome to the Institute of Policing's resources webpage for aspiring police officers.

Here, you'll find content to help you with your initial application right through the assessment centre and preparing you for study. We currently have around 3500 students studying with us in the Institute of Policing.
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Why a degree?

You’re getting a degree, for free! In fact, you’re being paid! I know this isn’t what you’re thinking of if you’re only just joining, but if, after the 3 years, or even 10 years, you find yourself wanting to take a different path, you have so many more options. You’ll have a degree as well as extremely valuable life, work, and leadership skills to take with you.

The College of Policing developed the Police Constable Entry Routes Framework (PCER) to provide a standardised route to becoming a police officer, and to improve force diversity to better represent the communities in which they serve. 

The Police Constable Degree Apprenticeship (PCDA) and Degree Holder Entry Programme (DHEP) routes recognise that police officers already work to a degree standard and addresses the ever-changing field of criminal justice. Through the PCDA and DHEP, officers will gain a fully funded and internationally recognised qualification whilst working full time and receiving a salary. 

The curriculum provides dynamic operational training and sound, theoretical education to increase operational confidence to address complex situations. Additionally, the reflective practice will provide you with the necessary skills to aid your continual professional development (in the force and beyond). 

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