Thames Valley Police
What you can expect from the PCDA
From day one of your training you are a warranted officer and, on successful completion of the programme and your probation, your learning will be accredited with a BSc (Hons) Professional Policing Practice.
A three-year professional degree-level apprenticeship programme combining on-the-job practical learning and operational competence with academic learning.
Year One: A blended learning programme delivered by TVP and our Higher Education Institute (HEI) with initial learning phase based at TVP’s Training Centres in Sulhamstead, Reading and Kidlington. You will then join your designated Local Command Unit (LCU) for a period of operational tutoring leading to Independent Patrol Status. In year one operational training will include officer safety training, making an arrest and how to conduct a stop and search, amongst other things. You will also be required to complete seven academic assignments*. Four of these are completed during the initial learning phase, the remaining three are to be completed whilst operationally deployed during assigned periods of Protected Learning Time**.
Year Two: Builds on the first year of learning but with more operational focus including response, investigation, intelligence, community policing and roads policing. In year two you will be required to complete seven academic assignments* whilst operationally deployed during assigned periods of Protected Learning Time**. During the second year of your probation period you may be identified for an attachment of either 20 weeks in Assessment and Investigation Unit (AIU) or for 12 months on Neighbourhood.
Year Three: In year three you will be required to complete four academic assignments* whilst operationally deployed during assigned periods of Protected Learning Time** in addition to the End Point Assessment. As part of your End Point Assessment you will be assessed on your Evidence-Based Research Project and achieve Full Operational Competence. The research project has a practical policing purpose; demonstrating your learning, critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
The starting salary for all new recruits is £34,164 (inclusive of a £3,000 South-East living allowance). On the current system, officers can expect to be earning in excess of £53,000 per annum by their seventh year in the job.
This application is primarily for Berkshire covering Bracknell, Maidenhead, Slough, Loddon Valley, Reading and Newbury police stations. However, if you can reach other main stations in Buckinghamshire or Oxfordshire, those locations will also be taken into account when a positing decision is made. You should not apply for multiple locations.
Application process
Typically the process from initial application through to start date takes about 9 months
Eligibility – to apply for a role as a Police Officer via the PCDA you must:
TVP applicants – those currently working as a PCSO, Detention Officer or a Contact Management Call Handler must have been in their role for 12 months before applying to become a Police Officer.
Notes
* Academic assignments are typically made up of the following: Coursework (essays / reports / portfolios), presentations / posters and time constrained examination / set exercises.
** There is sufficient protected learning time (PLT) built into all the PCDA programme throughout the 3 years in order to successfully complete the course and achieve the relevant qualification. Part of this PLT is reserved for learning (off the job training) to be delivered to the student and part is reserved as independent study time to assist in the completion of the academic assignments. However, students may choose to spend additional time on training outside of these allocated hours. However, students may wish to spend additional time on completing assignments outside of these allocated hours.
*** If you do not have the required English and Maths qualifications, please refer to the English & Maths Level 2 document which contains guidance on how you could gain these qualifications
**** TVP and our HEI need to ensure that student officers on the PCDA have the ability to achieve what is required academically during the programme. ‘Relevant professional experience’ could come from a wide variety of professions and industries, both public and private sector and, for example, could include (but is not limited to) transferable experience where: you have had to demonstrate an ability to solve problems or make informed decisions, research, retain and convey complex information, managed a varied workload or projects, worked under pressure or to tight time scales
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 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. 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 You. We 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.
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.
