Police Constable Entry Programme (PCEP)

Earn while you learn via the Police Constable Entry Programme (PCEP).

What is PCEP?

Unlike the other entry routes to become a police officer that require applicants to already hold a degree (or in the case of the PCDA work towards attaining one), this two-year programme does not require you to gain a related qualification. The programme is about developing the skills, knowledge and behaviours needed to be ‘confirmed in rank’ as an operational police officer. The recruitment entry requirements are the same as those for the PCDA.

As a student officer you’ll be supported from day one by experienced trainers. You’ll get a good mix of working on the front line and time spent learning the law and theory of practical policing. You’ll also get to experience working in different policing teams to boost and broaden your experience and give you a chance to apply your learning.

By the time you’ve completed your two-year learning programme and probation period requirements – demonstrating that you’ve gained, and continually used, your policing knowledge, skills, and behaviours to the required standard – you’ll be eligible to be confirmed in rank as a police officer.

You’ll be amazed at how many different roles there are in policing. When you’ve finished your training and been confirmed in rank, your first posting will be to either the Response and Patrol, Local Policing, or Investigation teams. This will give you a fantastic grounding in the nuts and bolts of policing and is the perfect starting point to figure out what direction you’d like your career in policing to take, whether this be looking for promotion or working within a more specialised department (or both!).

If successful in the application process, for those applicants with any previous experience in relation to policing practice either as a student, Special Constable or PCSO, consideration may be given to any suitable previous recognised prior learning (RPL) enabling ‘credit’ to be given that will allow a shortened learning programme and / or reduced assessment requirements to be undertaken. Decisions with regards to this RPL will only be made on a one-to-one basis depending upon circumstance; the force decision on this will be final.

Part time working: Having gained independent patrol status (at approximately week 43 of the first year of the 2-year programme) part time working can be applied for with the 2-year probationary period being extended on a pro-rata basis; however, all initial phase learning (up to week 43) must be completed on a full-time basis.

What will I study?

Your course will be delivered by experienced trainers with a wealth of professional and subject expertise, and you’ll be supported by a network of relevant subject specialists to prepare you with key skills required for the role of Police Constable.

Your learning will be a mixture of face to face, remote and digital. Mostly, you’ll be splitting your time between the Mather Avenue Training Academy and your designated operational Merseyside Police station. You’ll be given protected learning time to help you stay on top of things.

Most of the first year of the learning programme will take place away from operational policing and will consist of various teaching sessions including classroom inputs, computer-based learning, developmental roleplay exercises and numerous developmental assessments to assist you’re your knowledge-based learning and policing practice. Directed self-study and self-reflection will also be required of you. Towards the end of the first year, a period of operational policing will be undertaken in company with an experienced tutor constable who will provide guidance with coaching / mentoring support. At this stage you will be assessed to see if it is suitable for you to be able to gain ‘independent patrol status’, if so, then you will proceed onto the next stage of the programme.

Your learning in year two will predominantly consist of operational policing, with some ‘protected learning’ phases back in the learning environment. You will further develop your operational skills by policing within several ‘key’ areas of policing, notably the Response & Resolution, Local Policing, and Investigation functions.