Detective Degree Holder Entry Programme

The Degree Holder Entry Programme (DHEP) route into policing is an exciting opportunity for talented individuals from all backgrounds to obtain a degree whilst working and earning a full salary.

You will be eligible to apply for our Degree Holder Entry Programme if you already hold a Bachelor’s degree in any subject (or international equivalent) at the time of application. You are not eligible to apply for the DHEP route if you hold or are working towards the Degree in Professional Policing.

The DHEP programme will be delivered in partnership with the University of the West of England (UWE) and is a two year programme where you will obtain a Level 6 Diploma in Professional Policing Practice.

As this entry route currently leads to becoming a detective, entry into the National Investigator’s Exam is also a requirement during Year 2 of study. The programme includes classroom delivery, practical application and tutorship and study is split between the UWE campuses and Police Headquarters in Portishead.

You will be classed as a full-time student and so will be able to take advantage of student benefits.

The learning is fully funded but officers remain in probation for the two year duration of the programme.

As a detective constable you will be motivated by making a difference in your local community and you will play a critical role in supporting the most vulnerable victims of crime.

Detectives manage our complex and serious investigations and work as investigative experts in a number of different investigation types including theft, fraud, cybercrime, domestic abuse and sexual assault.

As a detective you will:

• gather evidence, interview suspects and conduct victim and witness statements
• prepare case files and attend court to present evidence
• engage with a wide variety of people
• communicate with care and compassion
• demonstrate resilience and tenacity, whilst retaining a focus on delivering a positive result and adapting to new developments

Your role as a detective will allow you to challenge yourself and ultimately be rewarded, knowing that you have made a difference to the lives of those that you have supported.

Candidates starting on the Degree Holder Entry Programme will commence on pay point one of the police constable pay scales. This will increase annually on the anniversary of your joining date.

• Year 1 (pay point 1): £26,680
• Year 2 (pay point 2): £27,802

As a detective, you will be contracted to work 40 hours per week and both your classroom and on the job training aligns to these working hours.

Whilst studying, you are required to attend training at UWE and Police Headquarters Monday to Friday working either 08:00-16:00 or 09:00-17:00 as defined by your timetable upon joining.

Whilst in tutorship and working as an operational detective, you will work to a four week rotating shift pattern including early shifts (08:00 – 17:00), late shifts (14:00-23:00) and approximately one night shift per month.

As well as working with our investigative teams, you will complete four modules over a two year period, covering the key themes of the policing curriculum:

1. Legislation, Powers and Policy
2. Policing Skills and Procedures
3. Developing Policing Practice
4. Conducting Effective Investigations

In your first 14 weeks of learning, you will undertake personal protection training, driver training, system training as well as knowledge based learning at Police Headquarters and a Higher Education Provider. You will then work with operational teams to put into practice your acquired skills and knowledge. During this time you will work the same shift pattern as the Response teams.

You are not required to wear uniform whilst in lectures. There will be occasions when you will be required to wear either a uniform or smart business attire when working on police premises or on practical assessments. You will be notified in good time by your lecturer.

Where required the appropriate uniform will be provided upon appointment.

At the end of the two year Detective Degree Holder Entry Programme, you will have gained the skills, knowledge and experience required to work as a detective and will continue to receive professional guidance and mentoring.  You will manage your own caseload and work as part of a team to solve crimes, bringing offenders to justice and delivering positive outcomes for the community.

To find out how to apply for a police officer role, view our detective constable recruitment process.