*This advert is now open until 31st May 2026*
Police Constable Entry Programme (PCEP)
Duration –2 years
Starting salary -£31,164 with annual increments up to £50,256
Qualification level – Guided as level5
The Police Constable Entry Programme (PCEP) is a new entry route for joining the police which provides an excellent opportunity to be employed as a police officer from day one on a two-year training programme.
This programme is focused on developing policing skills with key models and theories used routinely within a policing environment.
PCEP is a two-year learning programme with a 20-week initial phase of learning and four returning weeks in year two further developing your understanding about key topics such as leadership, inclusion, investigation skills and public protection.
Our training teams understand that you may not yet know very much about policing. No assumptions are made, and each student officer is offered coaching to achieve the requirements in a very tailored way.
We also have lots of experience if you need any workplace adjustments – everyone is screened for Dyslexia and given personal feedback as necessary.
Out on patrol, you will be coached and mentored by trained tutor constables who will support you to achieve a “safe and lawful” standard of practice. Once you achieve Independent Patrol Status, you will a fully deployable resource attending jobs by yourself
You will be welcomed, whatever your background, and supported throughout the programme by our friendly teams.
Benefits of this route
You’ll enjoy the advantages of a contributory pension scheme, which offers generous benefits based on average earnings. You’ll start with 25 days annual leave rising to 30 days, dependent on your length of service.
You could play your part in continuing to build the standards, practices and reputation of policing for the better!
Your training will begin with a 20-week initial learning phase, attending our training centre in Monkswood.
You will learn a wide range of policing skills including Personal Safety Training, emergency life support, safeguarding, crime investigation, operational policing skills, and there are a wide range of ICT systems to learn about.
In year two, there will be four more weeks of training to further develop your understanding about key topics such as leadership, inclusion, investigation skills and public protection.
Throughout your training you’ll undertake work-based learning and you will be fully supported as you apply new skills and knowledge as part of your operational duties.
You’ll be immersed in day-to-day policing. This will help you understand the context of what you learn, enabling you to develop the skills and experience needed for this challenging role, as you actively contribute to reducing crime and harm in the communities of Cambridgeshire.
Personal safety techniques
Policing, police law and police power
Protection, Vulnerability and Operational Policing
Response and Crime Investigation
Specialist Skills
Police Code of Ethics
Criminal Law
Police Procedure
Statement taking and writing
First aid
Interviewing
Police systems
Evidence based policing
Problem solving
Search techniques
Mental health
Domestic abuse
Stalking and harassment
Throughout the course you will need to successfully complete operational assessments to test the skills, knowledge and qualities required to be an officer.
Your knowledge and skills will be assessed throughout the programme using a variety of techniques including exam, presentations and short essays.
You will also need to compile a work-based Operational Competency Portfolio and pass operational assessments of a range of critical policing skills, including - providing effective initial response to a critical incident, engaging proactively with communities, conducting effective evaluation of intelligence, and providing support to vulnerable people, victims and witnesses.
Once you have successfully completed your two-year probation, you will be able to consider further opportunities of progression and specialism within our force.
We’re putting crime and harm prevention first. As a Cambridgeshire police officer, you'll have the opportunity to enjoy a truly fulfilling career and work your way up the ranks.
Join us and make a genuine, positive difference to people from all walks of life.
Entry requirements
GCSEs (Level 2) in English and Maths (A-C / 4-9)
Level 3 qualification (e.g. 2 A-Levels A-E, 32 UCAS points, any level 3 qualification) or relevant experience highlighted here - Police Constable Entry Programme (PCEP) | Cambridgeshire Constabulary
Applicants must hold a full UK manual driving licence at the time of application. This is a mandatory requirement for all Police Officers
We are unable to accept applications without these main entry requirements.
Please note: This role has been identified as high-risk in relation to potential DNA and fingerprint contamination within forensic processes. As such, successful candidates will be required to provide a DNA and Fingerprint elimination sample as part of their pre-employment checks.
The sample will be used to conduct a speculative search against our database and then solely for contamination elimination purposes and held on a secure elimination database in accordance with the Data Protection Act 2018 and GDPR.
Provision of this sample is a condition of employment for roles identified as high-risk.
Whilst there is a closing date of 31st May 2026 at 23:55 there are limited numbers of applications which can be accepted, should this number be reached before the planned closing date, this advert may close earlier.
We believe that to serve our communities effectively, we need people from all backgrounds, bringing a wide range of life and professional experiences. This helps us reflect the communities we serve and ensures we deliver the best possible service.
Why Choose a Career in Policing?
Cambridgeshire Constabulary is recognised as a pioneering and forward-thinking service, responsible for policing a large, diverse, and multicultural population.
If you're looking for a meaningful and rewarding career—where you can make a real difference, take on new challenges, and gain a wide variety of experiences—then we want to hear from you.
What We Offer
We’re proud to support our people with a comprehensive benefits package, including:
* Pension Schemes: Access to the Police Pension Scheme, with employer contributions and death-in-service benefits.
* Generous Annual Leave: 25 to 30 days (depending on rank and length of service).
* Sick Pay: Up to six months full pay and six months half pay (depending on service).
* Family Leave: Occupational maternity, adoption, and paternity pay (depending on service).
* Carers and Discretionary Leave
* Flexible Working: Including compressed hours, flexible shifts, job sharing, annualised hours, and agile working (role dependent).
* Wellbeing Support: Local wellbeing teams, on-site gym facilities and exercise classes (location dependent).
* Sports & Social Clubs: Enjoy discounts, trips, and events through our dedicated clubs.
* Cycle to Work Scheme
* Blue Light Card App: Option to sign up for discounts in-store and online for emergency service workers.
* Financial Support: Access to Police Mutual for savings plans, insurance, loans, and independent financial advice.
* Employee Assistance Programme: Confidential support for personal and professional wellbeing.
* Staff Support Networks: Including groups for Black and Minority Ethnic colleagues, LGBTQ+ colleagues, disability awareness, menopause support, faith-based groups, and more.
* Access to Federation/Supts Association/COPSA (rank dependant).
* Career Development: Opportunities for progression, promotion, and continuous improvement training.
Equality, Diversity & Inclusion
We are committed to building a workforce that is inclusive and truly representative of the communities we serve. We welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds, especially those currently under-represented in policing, including:
* Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic communities
* People of all ages and abilities
* All faiths and religions
* LGBTQ+ communities
* Individuals from disadvantaged or marginalised backgrounds
All applications are assessed fairly and based on the evidence you provide and your suitability for the role.
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