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 Detective Constable within our Investigations directorate.
What is the DHEP programme?
The Degree Holder Entry Programme (DHEP) is an exciting opportunity for talented individuals from all backgrounds to enter the Police service on a fast track route to becoming a detective. As part of this journey you will have the added benefit of obtaining a Level 6 Diploma in Professional Policing Practice, whilst working and earning a full salary.
The programme includes classroom delivery, practical application and tutorship and study which is split between the UWE campuses and Police Headquarters in Portishead. You will also be required to pass the National Investigator’s Exam during Year 2 of study.
We empower our people to be leaders and offer support every step of the way. We 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 also offer a number of other opportunities thereafter to further develop your future career aspirations within our organisation.
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 across a range of investigation and vulnerability types including domestic abuse, rape, serious assaults, robberies and organised drug supply. More specialist capabilities include child protection and cybercrime.
Whether you have finished higher education or are thinking about a change of career, our police officers come from all backgrounds and join/work together with a shared goal to make the lives of those within our communities safer. We are looking for tenacious individuals who are able to think clearly in sometimes stressful and emotionally charged situations, have genuine compassion and empathy to support victims of crime together with 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 be committed to delivering the best service possible.
You will be eligible to apply for our Degree Holder Entry Programme if you already hold a Bachelor’s degree or above 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.
You must also hold a level 2 (GCSE or functional skills equivalent) at a grade C/4 or above, these must be uploaded and evidence at the time of application.
Should you hold a valid College of Policing assessment centre score, which is less than 18 months old and you meet the required eligibility criteria, we are able to accept this and you will not be required to resit the assessment centre again.
What we offer
You will be paid while you learn and start on a salary of £31,176, whilst undertaking the 2 year course, you are required to attend training at UWE and Police Headquarters Monday to Friday working normally between 08:00-16:00.
You will then spend 14 weeks working in uniform policing, working days, late and night shifts, where you will be supported by a tutor until you are signed off for Independent Patrol.
Finally you will arrive on your CID Team where you will begin to deal with more serious crime. You will be tutored through the process of investigating crimes by gathering and assessing evidence, interviewing victims and suspects, and preparing case files for court. In this role as a detective, you will be contracted to work 40 hours per week plus paid overtime, and should expect to work, day, late and weekend shifts. In the longer term you will be able to move into more specialist roles and/or seek promotion opportunities.
For more information around the role, programme structure and what we offer in return, please visit our website here - https://www.avonandsomerset.police.uk/apply/jobs-and-volunteering/police-officer/degree-holder-entry-programme/
This is a very competitive process therefore the application window may close early if we feel we have enough successful applications submitted. We encourage you to submit your application as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.
At present we are recruiting for vacancies within our force area, however the south of our force area is a priority in order to meet our operational demand. Therefore vacancies at our Bridgwater and Yeovil bases will be filled as priority, all applicants are required to reside within 30 miles or up to 45 minutes travelling time of their given posting.
If your application is successful, you will be required to attend a compulsory familiarisation event these will be held on 9th October 2025 and 15th October 2025.
Virtual assessment centre will be held week commencing 30th October 2025.
