There are currently three ways you can join the police service:
The police force will assign you to the appropriate programme based on the information you provide as part of your application process
The PCDA is a three-year programme combining operational duties with academic learning. On successful completion of your probation, you will achieve a Degree in Professional Policing Practice.
Not only does the PCDA pathway provide unrivalled training and job security, you will earn whilst you learn, with no student fees to repay. You will undertake training in areas critical to effective 21st century policing, such as evidence-based policing, decision-making and discretion, risk and public protection and criminality and crime prevention.
Unlike a traditional degree course, new apprentice recruits will spend most of their time on frontline duties, in the same way probationers work now.
If you do not already hold a degree and are looking for a career that offers first-class training, continuous development, unrivalled variety, and unique challenges, the PCDA is the route for you.
The DHEP is a two-year work-based programme, supported by protected learning time. On successful completion of your 2 year probation, you will achieve a Graduate Diploma in Professional Policing Practice.
Not only does the DHEP pathway provide unrivalled training and job security, you will earn whilst you learn, with no student fees to repay. You will undertake training in areas critical to effective 21st century policing, such as evidence-based policing, decision-making and discretion, risk and public protection and criminality and crime prevention.
If you already hold a degree this programme offers a fantastic opportunity for you to continue to learn beyond your initial degree, whilst earning a salary as a fully warranted police officer from day one.
This route is only open to you if you have a Professional Policing Degree
The PPD, also known as the Pre-join, is a standalone professional academic knowledge-based degree, based on the national curriculum for the police constable role. It is offered by several universities across the country, who are licensed by the College of Policing, to deliver the national curriculum.
The degree is offered independently of Durham Constabulary and will have to be successfully completed before applying to the police.
The degree is not funded by the police, and you would have to apply through the standard university application process.
Through this route you will have achieved all the academic learning that the DHEP and PCDA student will be undertaking however there are still areas of study that you will need to learn and must demonstrate competence in. Durham will provide any additional learning you will require and support you through your two-year probationary period.
The PPD provides those students who have independently undertaken the learning to join the police put what they have learnt to practice in the operational world and focus on demonstrating their competence as an operational police constable.
You must apply to join a police force within five years of your graduation.
Successful achievement of the degree does not guarantee recruitment as a police constable.
Yes, you will be paid throughout the period that you are training and/or studying for your Degree Apprenticeship in Professional Policing Practice or Graduate Diploma in Professional Policing Practice or the Professional Policing Degree. The starting salary for all routes is £24,780. This will rise incrementally.
All routes into policing in Durham Constabulary will now incorporate formal study to undergraduate level (Level 6) or higher. We are currently recruiting for new joiners who will undertake the degree apprenticeship programme OR the degree holder entry programme OR have completed the Professional Policing Degree.
The Degree Apprenticeship (PCDA) will be funded by Durham Constabulary by using funding from the Apprenticeship Levy. The Degree Holders Entry Programme (DHEP) is fully funded by Durham Constabulary. The Professional Policing Degree will have been completed prior to your application and you will have paid for your tuition as part of the course.
No, the Professional Policing Degree is undertaken at your own expense prior to applying to for the role of police constable.
Learning is flexible. Our students will log into Northumbria University systems for distance learning and some face to face lectures will be delivered by the university at Durham’s Police Learning Centre at Meadowfield. There will also be opportunities for you to access Northumbria University’s excellent facilities.
Your study will be ongoing. However, you will be required to use approximately 20% of your work time for off the job learning.
Yes, you will be required to take some exams, but you will also achieve your degree by completing assignment work and by demonstrating your skills on the job.
No, you will be working as a full-time police officer while you are studying towards your degree or graduate diploma.
No, there will be lots of practical training and ‘on the job’ development too. We will also provide as much support as you need to achieve the required outcomes.
No, we are partnered with Northumbria University to deliver the degree apprenticeship and graduate diploma. This partnership will bring two outstanding organisation’s together to provide an excellent opportunity for you to gain the best possible experience and qualification.
No, as long as you have successfully completed the course and passed the degree we welcome applicants from any university who deliver the approved Policing Practice Degree.
A police officer is expected to maintain and demonstrate a high standard of ethical behaviour, both while at work and off duty. They are guided by a code of ethics which the force will expect any candidate to understand and adhere to.
The Code of Ethics is a supportive, positive, everyday decision-making framework and is a constant reinforcement of the values and standards policing is proud of. It is intended to encourage personal responsibility and the exercise of professional judgement; empowering everyone in policing to ensure they always do the right thing.
If the public doesn't have the confidence to trust the police to be fair, act ethically and in their best interests, they are less likely to assist the police in upholding the law.
For further details please go to: https://www.college.police.uk/What-we-do/Ethics/Ethics-home/Pages/Code-of-Ethics.aspx
Yes, police officers work on a rota system which includes both day and night shifts, including weekends and public/bank holidays.
You will not be able to book any time off during the initial training course which is approximately 18 weeks, except public and bank holidays and weekly rest days. Some courses will have holidays programmed into their timetable and you may be required to take certain days off as holiday. You will be advised of this at the start of your appointment.
You are entitled to 22 days paid annual holiday, rising to 30 days a year depending on your length of service. This is on top of public holidays and an average of at least two rest days each working week.
You will have to work full time during your probation – two or three-years dependent on route – but you can apply for part time working once this is completed. It should be noted there is no guarantee of part time working being granted in particular roles; requests are considered on an individual basis.
We welcome applicants from all religions and alterations can be made to the uniform to accommodate some religious requirements – for example it is possible to wear a hijab; or the helmet may be replaced with a Sikh turban. We also consider the needs of individuals with regards to time off and bank/public holidays.
Not at first. All newly recruited police officers must undergo a probationary period in which you’ll spend time in a response team, although attachments to other teams may be given.
No, you will need to be prepared to work across the Durham Constabulary area including Darlington, Bishop Auckland, Durham, Peterlee, Consett.
Yes, we welcome applications from outside the force area. However, please consider that you will need to be prepared to work across all locations within Durham Constabulary.
Yes, you will be supported to develop throughout your career. There is a wealth of opportunities as a police officer including promotions through the ranks or lateral moves into specialist teams such as investigation including safeguarding, neighbourhoods, roads policing etc.
Yes, you will encounter stressful situations that include dealing with confrontation. We will provide you with extensive training and support you to be ready to handle these.
There are many benefits, these include:
In order to pass the initial sift you must pass the following:-
Age – 17 years or older at the point of application and 18 at the time of appointment
The Level 3 Qualification:-
*Durham Constabulary will review a candidate's professional training and/or work experience in line with the National Police Officers Competency Framework. This will require you to complete the Experiential Learning form as part of your application process.
You will need to be at least 17 to apply to be a police officer and the normal pension age is 60 for a PC.
Yes, however you must be 18 at the point of joining
No, there is no minimum or maximum height requirements.
As you will be expected to respond to incidents across Durham Constabulary force area you will need to hold a full driving licence for a manual car at the point of application. You can not be waiting for your driving test.
This will depend on the nature of the conviction or caution. You will need to provide full details to assist our vetting department in making a decision, via the applications process.
PLEASE NOTE: Applicants must declare all convictions and cautions. Failure to declare certain details will seriously undermine an individual’s integrity and credibility and is likely to prevent them from appointment, regardless of the nature / seriousness of the incident.
Yes, you must declare if you have ever been subject of a criminal investigation whether this led to a prosecution or not. Failure to make such declarations will lead to your application being rejected.
Yes, you must declare all offences including penalty notices. Your application will not be automatically rejected for minor offences; consideration will be given to repeat offending, behaviour, age, the actual offence committed and length of time since the offence.
Yes. If your friends or family members have convictions, this must be disclosed. Your application will not be automatically rejected; consideration will be given as to how close the association is and the level of criminality involved etc.
Yes, you can apply but only if it is three years after the bankruptcy debts have been discharged.
Yes – if the judgement has been discharged, you can be considered. If you have an existing judgement, your application cannot be considered.
Applicants with a current Independent Voluntary Agreement (IVA) will not be considered. However, if it has been discharged, and you have a certificate of satisfaction, you may be considered.
You must declare any other employment for hire or gain, or any other business interests that you intend to maintain, when you apply to become a police constable. A decision on your eligibility will be made based on all the information provided during the recruitment and selection process, and whether your business interests are compatible with performing the role of a police officer.
This also includes if you, or one of your close relatives, holds a license or permit relating to alcohol licensing, refreshment houses or betting and gaming or regulating places of entertainment in the force area.
Police officers are not permitted to take an active part in politics.
Yes, when you begin your training you will be required to adhere to nationally set appearance standards. Hair should be worn so that it is cut or secured above the collar and ears and is neat and tidy. Extreme and vivid hair colour in unnatural colours is not permitted.
We know some people like to express themselves with body art. However, anyone who has a tattoo and / or piercing which could be reasonably interpreted as offensive to any religion or belief, or is in any way discriminatory, violent or intimidating, will not be accepted. In line with the College of Policing’s national guidance we will carefully consider the size, nature and prominence of visible tattoos and piercings to determine if they are acceptable.
If you have a tattoo on your arms, face, neck or hands you will be required to submit photos with your application. We will assess all photos to ascertain if they are acceptable.
Adjustments such as more time to complete assessment centre exercises, ICT provision/aides to complete studies, and workplace adaptations can be made to ensure those with dyslexia are not put at a disadvantage on either the PCDA or DHEP. Adjustments will depend on the degree of your dyslexia which should be confirmed in a report by educational psychologist. We ask any successful candidates that would like adjustments to be considered to provide this report at their own cost.
The process length varies – we strive to complete the process within six months but it may take longer,; course dependent. The process includes:
Once your checks are complete, we will generally offer you the next available start date considering your notice period. There may be the opportunity to delay this by a short time.
Yes, so far as is possible we are business as usual, however under these uncertain times the force may be required adjust our approach and in these circumstances, you will be informed of any changes.
In addition to the general requirements to join as a police officer with Durham Constabulary, applicants for the PCDA programme are required to have the following:
*Durham Constabulary will review a candidate's professional training and/or work experience in line with the National Police Officers Competency Framework. This will require you to complete the experiential learning form as part of your application process.
Understanding of Maths and English are both essential to the PCDA programme. Candidates must therefore should have achieved – and be able to evidence – at least Key Skills Level 2 in both subjects (equivalent of GCSE, A* - C) – however please see following question.
Maths and English, GCSE A – C, 4 – 9, or equivalent, are part of the essential criteria. If you do not have these qualifications, you will not pass the initial sift and your application will not progress any further. However, you can undertake Level 2 maths and/or English at a local college and if successful can then apply to join (subject to meeting other requirements).
In addition to the general requirements to join as a police officer with Durham Constabulary, applicants for the DHEP programme are required to have an undergraduate degree (Level 6), or overseas equivalent and the degree must include evidence of a written component.
In addition to the general requirements to join as a police officer with Durham Constabulary, applicants for the PPD programme are required to have successfully been awarded the Professional Policing Degree (Level 6) and the degree must include evidence of a written component.
You will need to evidence your qualifications on your application, and we require you to send a copy of your certificates with your application form.
If you are unable to locate your certificates please visit www.gov.uk/replacement-exam-certificate for information on how to request duplicates or an accepted ‘certified statement of results’.
Yes, Durham will accept predicted grades* for DHEP and PPD applicants (but NOT A levels for PCDA) but we would require confirmation of the grade and a copy of qualification certificate prior to being offered a position.
*these must be officially predicted by the awarding university
Yes, you can still apply.
No, completing the Certificate in Knowledge of Policing (CKP) is not a requirement. However, if you have achieved this it will contribute to your overall UCAS points.
Yes, however, if you have previously attended a SEARCH / Online assessment centre and did NOT pass, you will not be able to sit another centre within six months.
Yes - if you have at least 2 years’ service as a Special Constable who has achieved Independent Patrol Status and is performing minimum hours Suitability of your professional experience will be jointly assessed by Durham Constabulary and Northumbria University.
Yes – if you have at least 2 years’ Police Community Support Officer relevant professional experience. Suitability of your professional experience will be jointly assessed by Durham Constabulary and Northumbria University.
Yes - if you have at least 2 years’ service in a police staff role which is deemed appropriate by the Chief Constable. Suitability of your professional experience will be jointly assessed by Durham Constabulary and Northumbria University (see eligibility criteria above for types of role accepted).
You can apply to more than one police force/service at a time. However, you can only progress to the on-line assessment centre (OAC) stage with one force.
Yes you can have other live applications with Durham Constabulary, or another force, that aren’t for the role of a police officer. However, as the applications progress you will need to decide on which you would like to take further.
You will need to apply in the normal way and pass the assessment of your application form; once you reach this point, we are able to accept your SEARCH score.
However, you must have achieved an overall score of 50 % - with at least 50 % in working with others and 50 % in oral communication – as well as demonstrating competence in the written assessment. As evidence you must attach pages three to five of your assessment feedback to the application form.
For the Online Assessment Centre, you must have a received a Pass score and again evidence must be provided. This could be a confirmation e-mail from the Force you applied or from the College of Policing.
Please note scores are only valid for 24 months.
No – international students are not able to apply.
No - you would need to have status of indefinite leave to remain and work in the UK to apply.
Yes, the recruitment and selection process is consistent for all.
The online assessment centre stage involves a Situational judgement test (SJT), Competency-based video interview and Written exercise and briefing exercise.
We are not able to reimburse you for any expenses incurred as part of the recruitment process.
Biometric vetting checks will be undertaken on those candidates who have reached the stage of being considered suitable and are undergoing pre-employment checks. A fingerprint and DNA sample will be taken, and checks made against the appropriate databases. The purpose of the searches is to determine whether:
Only one set of fingerprints and DNA sample will be required. If subsequently appointed, these samples will be retained on the respective police database for elimination purposes. For those not appointed, their fingerprints, DNA sample and DNA profile and all copies and records will be destroyed.
A hair sample will be used for drug and or substance abuse. For those unable to provide a hair sample, an alternative test may be utilised.
The test focuses on aerobic capacity. The purpose of the fitness test is to ensure that candidates have a basic level of fitness for entry into the police service. You will carry out a shuttle run over a 15-meter area and run in time with a bleep. At the end of each level, the time in between the bleeps is shortened and you therefore must run faster to keep up with the pace. The recruit pass mark is level 5.4. This involves running for approximately 3 mins 40 seconds. It is mandatory that you maintain fitness for duty and to pass a fitness test on an annual basis. Failure to do so may result in your inability to complete your probationary period.
You can find out more about fitness tests via this link Fitness Test and watch the videos to help you prepare.
Generally, we’ll contact you via email. If we need to reach you quickly, we may give you a call. Invitations to assessment will be sent via email. It’s important that you provide us with your correct details and update us if anything changes. It is important that you regularly check your spam or junk folder also.
Please read through the information on our recruitment pages and these FAQs. If you are unable to find the answer to your question, please email policerecruiting@durham.police.uk and add ‘PC Application – General Query’ to the subject line.
Please remember the process does take some time to complete and we are unable to provide specific feedback on progress of your application. However, we will keep you updated at key points in the process.
If you have reviewed all the information on Durham Constabulary's website and on our Durham Constabulary recruitment pages and the above FAQs and you have been unable to find the information you require please contact email policerecruiting@durham.pnn.police.uk and add ‘PC Application – General Query’ to the subject line.
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