Careers explored: Police officer

Becoming a police officer, or a police constable, is about more than just enforcing the law – it’s about making a real difference in the community.

From preventing crime and supporting victims to building relationships and maintaining order, police officers are at the heart of keeping society safe. But policing is also a career that comes with challenges, including earning public trust and working under intense scrutiny.

For those passionate about justice, fairness, and helping others, a career in the police can be incredibly rewarding. This guide will explore the various pathways to joining the police, the skills needed, and the career opportunities available.

While there are no specific subjects required to become a police officer, good grades in English and maths are crucial as there is often a lot of paperwork involved in the role. Currently, the typical pathways to becoming a police constable are:

• A police constable degree apprenticeship (PCDA)

• A degree in professional policing (PPD)

• A degree-holder entry programme (DHEP)

In April 2024, the police constable entry programme (PCEP) was introduced.

It is a two-year programme where the focus is on learning the skills needed for the job rather than working towards a bigger qualification.

A police constable degree apprenticeship (PCDA) is a great opportunity to ‘earn while you learn’. You’ll need a level 3 qualification – two A-levels or equivalent – in at least two subjects.

It is a three-year programme where you study for a degree whilst training on the job. As a student officer, you will be appointed a tutor constable who will monitor your progress as you alternate between periods of study and working on the front line.

Alex Bailey is currently undertaking a PCDA with Merseyside Police. He was inspired to join the police by his teachers in school.

He said: “I always wanted to pursue a career in policing from a young age, however, I joined the military at the age of 20. The plan was to join the police once my service had ended.

“When I was at school, two of my teachers were ex-police officers and they were both amazing people who played big parts in my life. From hearing their stories and hearing some of the amazing stories of how the police carry out their duties, I was always drawn to playing a part in making a difference in everyday lives. Once I left the military, I started to apply and chose the PCDA entry route with Merseyside Police.”

For Alex, the training has already been eye-opening and has revealed many different aspects to the role.

He reflects: “I have learnt that being a police officer isn’t just as simple as running after the bad guys and locking them up. I have learnt more about the police and its operations and have seen how much hard work is put in by officers and other outside agencies to help make a real difference. A police officer has so many different responsibilities and have to adapt to all different kinds of situations at the drop of a hat.”

A typical day for a student officer can vary, and like a full-time police officer, no day is ever the same.

Alex explains: “Dress and deportment are very important. We turn up to training smart and ready for the day. The days include classroom presentations from the tutors along with input from Merseyside Police units on a weekly basis and class drills on some days to ensure uniformity and discipline amongst the students. The weeks that I have completed so far I have enjoyed every day. I am always learning, asking questions and gaining skills and knowledge.”

Upon completing the PCDA, you will graduate as a police officer and be awarded a BSc (Hons) in professional policing practice. Throughout the apprenticeship, you will receive a competitive salary, and once you graduate you can expect a starting salary of over £28,000.

What’s more, your chosen police force will fund the apprenticeship, which means there are no student loans or tuition fees to pay.

Alternatively, you can gain a BA (Hons) in professional policing via the university route. Available to study at Liverpool John Moores University (LJMU), the Liverpool Centre for Advanced Policing is a pioneering research centre for interdisciplinary law enforcement and is licensed by the College of Policing to deliver degree programmes included in the police education qualification framework.

Charlotte Watkinson-Miley, senior lecturer in policing and programme lead for professional policing, says: “The professional policing degree at LJMU is an outstanding introduction to the field of policing, preparing our students with the skills required for a successful policing career.

“The degree is a balance of classroom learning and practical activities, allowing students to translate theory into practice. There are a combination of assessment types including traditional essays, case-based reports, and scenarios. We also have a dedicated crime scene space and run core days at the Emergency Services Training Centre.”

Charlotte adds: “Our past students have successfully joined both police forces and other law enforcement agencies. Our team is a combination of researchactive academics and ex-practitioners who support our students to join their chosen careers. The programme is an opportunity to learn about policing and acquire the skills to successfully fulfil the role.”

Or for graduates who have already obtained a degree in a different subject, you can undertake a degree-holder entry programme (DHEP). This is a twoyear work-based training programme where you’ll receive on-the-job training while working as a police constable and studying towards a postgraduate diploma in professional policing practice. It’s a great route for those looking for a fast track into the police force with opportunities to advance.

As part of the programme, you’ll focus on specialist areas such as investigation, intelligence, community, roads or response policing. Once you have completed the programme and your probation, you’ll earn a level 6 post-graduate diploma in professional policing practice.

Recently, a new pathway was introduced, the police constable entry programme (PCEP), which allows recruits to join without needing to follow a degree or apprenticeship-based pathway.

The PCEP is aimed at bringing in those who are eager to serve their community but may not want to pursue academic qualifications. Instead, it focuses more on direct, practical training as well as developing the skills, knowledge and behaviours needed to be ‘confirmed in rank’ as an operational police officer. To be eligible, you must be over 17 years old, hold level 2 qualifications in English and maths, and not have had a police officer application rejected within the last three months.

A career in policing offers excellent opportunities for progression. Once you’ve joined the police, your career path is full of exciting options, including:

Sergeant: The first step up from a constable is a sergeant, who supervises a team of officers, providing guidance and support during investigations and operations. They are also responsible for ensuring officers follow the correct procedures and laws.

Inspector: They take on more leadership responsibilities, managing multiple teams or large-scale investigations. Inspectors also play a key role in strategic decision-making and managing resources.

Chief inspector, superintendent, and chief superintendent: These ranks involve overseeing larger teams and entire departments, shaping policing strategy, and ensuring effective service delivery. They also represent police forces at high-level meetings and with external agencies.

There are also many specialist roles:

Detective (CID): Specialise in criminal investigations, focusing on serious crimes like homicide, fraud, or sexual offences.

Firearms officer: Join a specialist unit trained to handle situations involving firearms and serious threats.

Counter-terrorism unit: Work in high-risk environments, protecting the public from terrorist activities.

Cybercrime unit: Investigate crimes involving technology, such as hacking, online fraud, and data breaches.

Dog handler or mounted unit: Work with trained animals to assist in searches, crowd control, and crime detection.

Alex advises: “I would recommend to anyone that is thinking of a career in the police to definitely apply. There are so many opportunities within the police.

If I think back to when I was in the recruitment process, it would have been beneficial to have had some contact, or input, from somebody who was going through training at the time. This would have given me the opportunity to ask some questions that may have helped me get more of a picture of what to expect at the academy.

“Apply and go into the job with an open mind and explore all of the opportunities that are presented to you!”

Becoming a police officer is a challenging yet incredibly rewarding career choice. By understanding the roles, pathways, and skills required, you can take the first steps towards a fulfilling career dedicated to making your community a better place. So, if you’re ready to rise to the challenge, the world of policing awaits!

Find out more:

For information regarding apprenticeships and other available programmes, visit: www.merseyside.police.uk or www.joiningthepolice.co.uk.