Police Officer - Degree Holder Entry Programme (DHEP) Abingdon, England
Job description
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 Centres in Sulhamstead, Reading and Kidlington. You will then join your designated Local Policing Area (LPA) 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 four academic assignments*. Two of these are completed during the initial learning phase, the remaining two 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. You will work towards Full Operational Competence and successful completion of the academic elements of the Graduate Diploma. In year two you will be required to complete four academic assignments* whilst operationally deployed during assigned periods of Protected Learning Time**.
*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/DHEP programmes throughout the 2 or 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 wish to spend additional time on completing assignments outside of these allocated hours.
Remuneration
Starting salary of £29,682 (inclusive of a £3,000 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.)
- Online Assessments (National Sift and Online Assessment Centre (OAC))
- 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 17 years of age.
- Citizenship - be a British citizen, or an EU/EEA national, Commonwealth citizen or foreign national with Indefinite Leave to Remain or Pre-Settled/Settled status and no restrictions on your stay in the United Kingdom
- Education – must have GCSE/Level 2 English (A*-C / 9-4) or equivalent and 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 between 18-32.
- Personal - not have any piercings or tattoos which could cause offence.
- Previous application - not have applied unsuccessfully for the role of Police Officer to any Home Office Force within the past six months.
- Location - live within 30 crow miles, 40 road miles and a 1 hour commute of two of our main police stations by formal offer of appointment. A degree of flexibility is expected in terms of postings as we may be forced to post to locations within policy parameters if organisational need dictates this..
- 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.
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 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.
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.
