Have you ever wanted to join the police force? This could be your chance to live your dream as applications are now open.

Thames Valley Police (TVP) is actively looking for approachable and friendly people whose first instinct is to help and support others while remaining calm under pressure.

Applications for those with a degree qualification open on 8 August via the Police Constable-Degree Holder Entry Programme (PC-DHEP). 

The DHEP is a two-year work-based programme for those with a degree (in any subject) or in their final year of study. 

It is supported by off-the-job learning and those recruited will achieve a Graduate Diploma in Professional Policing Practice on completion.

This will be followed by an opportunity for those who do not hold a degree to join via the Police Constable Degree Apprenticeship (PCDA) on 1 September.

The starting salary for all new recruits is £26,780.

Chief Constable John Campbell said: “When things are at their worst for people, I want us to be at our best.”

TVP are encouraging people from diverse backgrounds to apply and believe that a diverse workforce is essential in maintaining public trust and protecting them effectively.

Since introducing the new Police Constable entry routes in 2019, in partnership with Bucks New University (BNU), they have recruited over 170 new officers from a wide variety of backgrounds.

In the past 12 months, 43.4% of those new joiners have been female, while 14.3% of new joiners have been from Black, Asian or Minority-Ethnic backgrounds.

Chief Constable Campbell said: “Attracting people from a range of backgrounds will bring different knowledge and expertise and help us to build stronger relationships with the public, enabling us to serve and protect them more effectively.

“We have had success in attracting more women into policing, but realise there is work to do to increase broader diversity within the force.”

To apply for the DHEP, you must:

  • be at least 17 years of age upon application but must be 18 years of age by your first day in the role,
  • be a British or Commonwealth citizen or an EU/European Economic Area (EEA) national with indefinite leave to remain in the UK status. Other nationalities are welcome to apply providing you have indefinite leave to remain and work in the UK,
  • have a UK Level 6/degree qualification or equivalent (or be in the final year of study) – the degree can be in any subject,
  • hold a full manual driving licence or EEA driving licence before receiving your formal offer of appointment,
  • not have served any time in prison or youth detention,
  • be in good health and able to physically and mentally perform your duties,
  • not have any piercings or tattoos which could cause offence,
  • not have applied unsuccessfully within the past six months,
  • live within 20 crow miles of two of the main police stations by formal offer of appointment – consideration may be given to those living within 20 miles of one station and 30 miles of another. And a degree of flexibility is required in terms of posting.

For more information, visit TVP's careers website www.tvpcareers.co.uk