Police Officer - Degree Holder Entry Programme (DHEP)

Police Officer
Forcewide
Police Constable
£26,177 (which includes a £2,000 South East living allowance)
Full Time
Permanent

What you can expect from the DHEP 

From day one of your training you are a warranted officer and on successful completion of the programme and your probation, you will be awarded a Graduate Diploma in Professional Policing Practice.  

A two-year entry route into policing for degree-holders; combining on-the-job practical learning and operational competence with academic learning.

Year One: a blended learning programme delivered by TVP and Bucks New University with initial learning based at TVP’s Training College in Sulhamstead, Reading. You will then join your designated Local Policing Area (LPA) for a period of operational tutoring leading to Independent Patrol Status.

Year Two: builds on the first year of learning but with more operational focus including response, investigation, intelligence, community policing and roads policing. You will work towards Full Operational Competence and successful completion of the academic elements of the Graduate Diploma.   

 

Remuneration

Starting salary of £26,177 (inclusive of a £2,000 South-East living allowance).

 

Application Process

Typically the process from initial application through to start date can take six to nine months

  • Self-assessment form – all potential applicants must self-assess their eligibility prior to applying
  • Application including proof of eligibility (e.g. educational certificates, compliance with residency, tattoo policy etc.)
  • Assessment Centre
  • Interview
  • Provisional Offer
  • Pre-employment checks including fitness test, medical, references and vetting
  • Formal Offer including written confirmation of posting, salary and start date

Eligibility – to apply for a role as a Police Officer via the DHEP you must: 

  • Age - be at least 18 years of age.
  • Citizenship - be a British or Commonwealth citizen or an EU/European Economic Area (EEA) national with leave to remain in the UK indefinitely. Other nationalities are required to have Indefinite Leave to Remain and therefore be free from restrictions.
  • Education must have a minimum of a UK bachelor’s degree qualification or equivalent (or be in the final year of study).  Official results would be required before an offer of appointment is made.
  • Drivers Licence - have a full manual UK or EEA driving licence before receiving a formal offer of appointment.
  • Criminal Record - not have served any period of imprisonment or youth detention. If you have a criminal record or conviction, it may lead to your application being rejected.  We will take into account factors including the date and nature of the offence, plus evidence of good character since the offence.
  • Health - be in good health and able to physically and mentally perform the duties of a Police Officer once appointed. By provisional offer of employment applicants must have a BMI range of between 18-30.
  • Personal - not have any piercings or tattoos which could cause offence.
  • Previous application - not have applied unsuccessfully to any Home Office Force within the past six months.
  • Location - live within 20 crow miles of two of our main police stations by formal offer of appointment.  Consideration may be given to those living within 20 miles of one police station and up to 30 miles of another.  A degree of flexibility is expected in terms of postings.

 

At Thames Valley Police (TVP) we work together to protect our communities.  Whether as an officer, staff member or volunteer, you will make a difference and play an important role in helping achieve our mission.  As you take on a role with pride and confidence, you will be supported, developed and valued, ensuring you can be at your best in the service of our communities. Learn more About Us.

Working Smart.  You will be joining an organisation that strives to improve every day.  In the post-pandemic era this means changing the way we work and deliver our services, which brings a number of benefits including a more flexible and capable workforce. 

Supporting You.  Your wellbeing and safety is at the heart of all we do.  Whilst you are doing the work that matters, we’ll be supporting you via a wide range of Wellbeing services, partnerships and initiatives.  We have a number of active staff support networks and buddy schemes which you will have access to and can be involved with.  We also offer a comprehensive range of benefits and discount schemes, some provided directly by the organisation and others via partnerships including Blue Light card.  Learn more about how we will be Supporting You.

Developing YouWe promote a culture where your continuous professional development and learning is actively encouraged and where people have the opportunity, and responsibility, to achieve their full potential. 

Valuing Difference.  We are committed to building a workforce that better reflects the communities we serve and an inclusive culture that not only values, but finds strength in difference.  Learn more about how we are Valuing Difference.    

Vetting.  All posts require a level of Police Vetting as per the National Vetting Code of Practice. The residency requirement is necessary to enable all applicants to be checked in an equitable manner. Thames Valley Police will allow applicants to apply who do not necessarily reach the criteria as long as they have proven UK residency and supporting evidence where necessary. Applications will be considered on a case by case basis.

This opportunity is closed to applications.