Police Officer (PCDA)

Police Officer (PCDA)

We’re excited to offer the opportunity to join our growing organisation in a career that enables you to make a difference in your community as a police officer on one of our Patrol teams.

As a police officer, you will be inspired by delivering the highest level of service to our communities; your role is vital in providing an initial response to emergency calls for support and ensuring that the individual needs of victims of crime are understood and reflected in the solution provided. You will make a tangible difference in our communities by providing care and reassurance to people on what might feel like the worst day of their lives and many will look to you for guidance and protection.

Whether you are just finishing education or thinking about a change of career, our police officers come from all backgrounds and come together with a shared goal to make the lives of those within our communities safer. We are looking for individuals who are able to think clearly in sometimes stressful and emotionally charged situations, have genuine compassion and empathy to support victims of crime and the passion to serve our communities every single day.

You will demonstrate excellent communication skills to be able to engage with individuals across a wide range of situations and from all backgrounds and you will be committed to delivering the best service possible

You will work alongside a team of multi-skilled professionals with a shared enthusiasm for delivering results. You will be rewarded in a role that offers variety where you could attend a wide range of incidents all in one shift. Our patrol officers are first-responders to emergency incidents and will support victims of a number of different crime types including road traffic collisions, domestic abuse and anti-social behaviour – sometimes all in one shift.

We empower our people to be leaders and offer support every step of the way want you to be successful in your development and offer a dedicated training package to ensure that you are supported at every step of your progress. Joining our organisation is the start of your journey and the first step towards a career in policing. We offer opportunities to develop in your career as an emergency response specialist, develop laterally in other areas of policing or become a leader within our organisation.

We want you to be successful in your career and offer a dedicated learning package to help you develop in your professional practice. The learning programme lasts for 3 years, during which you will have support from our Learning team and the University of the West of England. You will develop and build on skills that will enable you to be effective as a police officer such as analysing evidence, protecting vulnerable victims and understanding the law.

You will be appointed as a police officer from your first day and our learning programme is delivered alongside working as an operational police officer with phases dedicated to academic study, ‘on the job’ learning and self-directed study.

You will be required to work a shift pattern including days, evenings, nights and weekend shifts from as early as week 14 of your appointment. Working alongside your team you will learn from the guidance and advice of your line manager and colleagues and, you’ll receive support and guidance from a professional mentor. At the end of the programme you will achieve a fully-funded, BSc degree in Professional Policing Practice.

You will be paid while you learn and start on a salary of £20,880 rising to £40,128 at the top of the scale (circa 7 years’ service). In addition to a fully-funded degree, you will have access to a wide range of generous benefits including the Police Pension Scheme (2015), shift allowances, company laptop and mobile phone, insurance schemes and substantial holiday entitlement to name a few. You will be classed as a full-time student and will also be able to take advantage of student benefits.

Find out more about the PCDA programme.

To be eligible to apply for this role you must have a 3 year ‘checkable history’ in the UK – ideally this means that you would have been resident in the UK for the last 3 years.

Does this sound like the role for you? Click the link below to apply.

Why work for Avon and Somerset Police?

Avon and Somerset Police has gained a reputation as a pioneering and innovative force, responsible for policing a large diverse, multi-cultural population.

If you are looking for a fresh challenge which offers a genuine opportunity to make a real difference to people’s lives, variety and the chance to broaden your experience, then Avon and Somerset is the force for you.

Equality, diversity and inclusion

Avon and Somerset Police are committed to equality, diversity and inclusion. 

We are working hard to increase diversity and inclusion within the Constabulary, where communities are under-represented, including those from Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) communities, people of all ages, abilities, faiths, religions and gender, LGBT communities and those from other disadvantaged or marginalised backgrounds, who share our values and wish to make a difference to the communities we serve.

All applications will be treated on merit, based on the evidence provided in your application and suitability for the role you have applied for.

Flexible working

All requests for flexible working patterns will be considered and will be dependent on the role.

Police Barred and Advisory lists

Individuals placed on the Police Barred and Advisory lists will not be considered for employment by the police for a minimum of 5 years from the date of listing in the case of gross misconduct, or 3 years from the date of listing in the case of poor performance.

Vetting and safeguarding

Avon and Somerset Police are committed to safeguarding and operate safer recruitment processes, to ensure a police service that employees are proud to work for because they feel safe, valued and part of a happy and supportive work environment. All employees and volunteers therefore will be subject to background checks including vetting and references.