College launches new way to join the police service

The Police Constable Entry Programme (PCEP) mirrors the other three routes already available into policing, by equipping new PCs with the skills needed to be on the frontline.

PCEP will formally launch on April 1. At the same time, the Initial Police Learning and Development Programme (IPLDP) route will be de-commissioned.

The College of Policing says the new way to join the service complements existing entry routes, which include the:

• (pre-join) Degree in Professional Policing (PPD);
• Police Constable Degree Apprenticeship (PCDA); and
• Degree-Holder Entry Programme (DHEP).

Each force decides individually which routes it uses when recruiting new PCs, and the training for all entry routes has been improved to equip officers with the skills needed to meet the complex policing challenges faced today, while contributing to a positive policing culture.

Officers will learn on the job about how to tackle traditional crimes such as burglary and public order, as well as focusing on investigating modern crimes such as fraud and online offences.

Chief Constable Andy Marsh, College of Policing chief executive officer, said: “It is essential that policing has consistently high standards for new officers regardless of their route into policing. Our new route will bring training for those officers who do not wish to gain a degree to the standard the public rightly expects.

“The Police Constable Entry Programme will complement the existing three routes into policing, and deliver another way to join the police. The range of routes will ensure there is a way into the service for those of all backgrounds and experiences. This can only be a good thing for the future of the service.

“All of the routes into the service now have a clear focus on operational policing. The new training route will mirror existing programmes by preparing officers to fight crime out on the street, as well as investigating more complex crime like fraud to secure justice for victims.

“Becoming a police officer is a hugely rewarding career. It opens up opportunities to develop personally and professionally, whilst making a positive difference to your community.

“There are various ways to join the police to best suit you and your experience. Applications from people of all backgrounds, cultures and experiences are welcomed.”

More information about the entry routes is available on the College of Policing website.

Mr Marsh has also congratulated Fast Track Constable to Inspectors (FTCI) graduates from 33 forces and described the programme as a “launch-pad for the rest of their careers”.

During a special ceremony held in Ryton, 46 officers from cohorts six and seven, who finished the programme in 2022 and 2023, received certificates after successfully completing the talent development programme to support them on the path to senior leadership roles.

Mr Marsh praised graduates at the ceremony, and paid tribute to their enthusiasm, dedication and drive.

He said: “I was very fortunate to personally experience first class learning and development opportunities which helped me greatly throughout my career. Although this was not FTCI, a similar development scheme opened my eyes to the huge benefits which come directly from investing in learning.

“This leadership programme has given FTCI graduates direct exposure to how forces operate, and they will now have a much better understanding of their own individual strengths, what they enjoy doing, and how they can grow. This is the launch-pad for the rest of their careers, and they will flourish.”

The programme is open to talented constables who wish to reach more senior levels of leadership within the service. Candidates are recommended by their individual forces to attend a National Assessment Centre, before joining the programme.

During the programme, the graduates spent two years rotating through numerous roles in their forces and attending a number of mandatory College of Police modules. The college says new inspectors will bring “new perspectives and diverse skills to their roles, with the aim of making a positive impact on the management and future culture of the service”.

Chris Coward, Talent Development lead at the College of Policing, said: “The new application window for cohort ten will open this April, representing ten years of the Fast Track Constable to Inspector programme. Over five hundred officers have been successful at National Assessment Centre since 2014, and I’d encourage individuals who are interested to get in touch with their force Fast Track SPoC, or email talent@college.police.uk for more information.’’

The successes of the FTCI programme have been built upon in the design and development of a new Fast Track Inspector to Superintendent programme with the first cohort starting their programme in May.

The selection process for cohort ten of the FCTI programme opens next month (April). Further details are available via the College of Policing website.