Police officers
Joined as an officer, became a protector.
What could you become?
It’s not every day you get the chance to arrive first to a crime scene and make quick judgement calls to ensure the safety of all around you. You'll seek answers and secure evidence to convict criminals and your actions will bring justice for victims.
Policing encompasses a variety of skills, roles, and responsibilities.
You’ll need determination, patience, and the ability to champion those around you.
Protector, Investigator, Responder or Leader (and plenty more…)
One career. Countless opportunities.
Find out where your policing career will take you and apply today.
Which route is best for me?
Police Constable Entry Programme (PCEP)
PCEP has replaced the IPLDP+ and is a new and exciting opportunity if you are considering a career in policing. For both degree holders and non degree holders.
Police Constable Degree Apprenticeship (PCDA)
Join as a Police Officer on the PCDA and achieve a BSc (Hons) degree in Professional Policing Practice, fully funded by Sussex Police.
Degree Holder Entry Programme (DHEP)
The DHEP is aimed at those who already hold an undergraduate degree in any subject.
Detective Degree Holder Entry Programme (DDHEP)
The DDHEP is aimed at those who have an undergraduate degree in any subject.
Professional Policing Degree Holder Programme (PPDHP)
The PPDHP is aimed at those who have an undergraduate degree in Professional Policing.
Why should you work for us?
As a police constable you can earn a salary starting from:
- £30,551 (includes a £2,000 South East allowance)
Other benefits include:
- Career progression
- Public sector pension
- Generous annual leave entitlement which increases as part of your service
- Sussex Police supports work-life balance supported by family friendly policies
- Be part of a wider police family including officer and staff associations
Careers don’t come more rewarding than this.
Tackling crime, taking knives off the streets, engaging and educating young people and being the person everyone looks towards for help. A Police Officer’s role is demanding and diverse – no two days are the same.
We’re looking for people who have the judgment to make quick decisions; are confident to be first person in; have the compassion and empathy to help those in need; who’ll have their colleagues back no matter what and the resilience to serve the community every single day.
You should consider whether you can:
- Deal with the complex and sensitive cases, requiring clear reasoning and evidence gathering.
- Think on your feet – problem solving and responding to new challenges.
- Develop new skills as data and technology become ever more important to policing.
- Work well with colleagues as part of an effective team.
- Have great people skills, remaining calm and patient with members of the public, particularly in stressful or volatile situations.
- Handle traumatic situations and be able to communicate information sensitively.
- Be decisive and use your police powers appropriately.
- Give clear and accurate evidence in court.
- Work shifts, nights and weekends (including public holidays).
- Be flexible about where you work - you might not work in your preferred location.
- Be willing and able to meet the academic demands and deadlines throughout the programme.
You’ll receive training and support throughout your career to help you manage the demands of policing, but it’s important to be sure that becoming a police officer is right for you.
If you have a question about any aspect of your recruitment journey, for example eligibility requirements, completing the application form, training or progression we offer one-to-one conversations with our recruitment experts.
We actively encourage applications from members of the Armed Forces and Military veterans.
If you are interested in applying for a role at Sussex Police and would like to speak to one of our Armed Forces champions, please email [email protected] and we will arrange for you to talk to someone.