Join police and earn yourself a university degree
NEW police officers are being offered the possibility of a university education alongside their job as part of a major recruitment drive beginning this week.
Durham Constabulary is opening applications for police constables as part of a Government pledge to recruit 20,000 new officers. The Police Constable Degree Apprenticeship (PCDA) and the Degree Holder Entry Programme (DHEP) schemes offer student officers the chance to earn a degree from Northumbria University while also working as a frontline officer.
Under the Police Constable Degree Apprenticeship (PCDA), student officers will study towards a degree in Professional Policing Practice, splitting their time between practical, on-the-job training and classroom-based learning.
Students will be paid officers from their first day, with a starting salary of £24,780, eventually rising to £41,130.
The Degree Holder Entry Programme (DHEP), meanwhile, is for applicants who already have a degree in any subject area.
Applicants will spend two years working as a frontline officer while working towards a graduate diploma in Professional Policing Practice.
Chief Constable of Durham Constabulary Jo Farrell said: “We’re looking for ambitious, motivated people who want to make a genuine difference to their communities and those in need. We’re also wanting people who are hardworking, relish a challenge and can apply common sense.
“As a police officer, you’ll be expected to run towards danger when others are running away. It is a job that comes with immense responsibility but is also hugely rewarding.
“A career in policing is extremely varied and offers great opportunities for personal and professional development with many ways to progress throughout the force as you gain skills and experience.
“Could you be the difference? If you’ve got the ambition, passion, professionalism and courage to go the extra mile to provide the best possible service to the people of County Durham and Darlington, then we want to hear from you.”
Joy Allen, Durham Police and Crime Commissioner, added: “This is part of my Police and Crime Plan to recruit more officers. It is what the public wants, and we need to recruit and retain the best people.
“If you or your family or friends are interested in helping communities and businesses thrive and feel that you can make a difference please apply.”
New recruits have until 5pm on Monday, January 24, to submit their application.
Applicants who have already passed a SEARCH/online assessment centre taken within any Home Office force in the last 24 months will go straight to interviews, which will take place in March and April.
Successful candidates will join the force from September.
■ For more information, visit durham.police.uk