Police Constable Entry Programme – PCEP

As well as your starting salary of £31,907, which includes £2,000 South East allowance, you have the potential to rise to £52,231 within the first seven years. There’s also:

• 22 days per year annual leave, rising to 30 days (based on a working 40 hours a week) a year depending on your length of service.
• Opportunities to progress through the ranks and/or specialise in an area of policing that interests you most.
• A progressive approach to flexible working.
• A competitive package that includes highly competitive pension scheme, flexible benefits, an Employee Assistance Programme for advice and counselling, Chaplaincy support, Mental Health First Aiders, Diffusers for post-incident trauma support.
• Access to discounts, savings and cash back rewards.
• Enhanced maternity and paternity leave and potential for a career break (after two years’ service).
• Support networks and advice for members from Sussex Police Charitable Trust, staff associations.
• Sports clubs, on-site gyms and activities.

Our dynamic force embraces tolerance, trust, empathy, openness, patience and teamwork. The force’s many staff networking groups promote belonging, safety, inclusivity and make sure our people’s voices are heard. To reflect and protect the communities we serve, we employ individuals from all backgrounds and experiences, and actively promote equality, diversity and inclusivity.

We have worked hard to create a safe, open and inclusive culture. To find out more visit our culture visit our Inclusion page.

If you’re confident, calm, compassionate, empathetic, resilient, and able to make quick, informed decisions, you’re who we’re looking for to help keep Sussex safe. Not only is this a diverse and challenging career, but it’s also incredibly rewarding because we’re the change we want to see in our community. Police Officers are the face of our force so in this role communities will rely on you, on the front line, to protect them, catch criminals and deliver outstanding service.

Separating emotion from fact can be challenging; you’ll receive the training and support to make it possible. Your listening and communication skills will not only help you ask the right questions to gauge situations, they’ll help you build trusting relationships with the public, victims, witnesses and suspects. We’re in a fast-paced 24/7 environment where no two shifts are ever the same.

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.

Police officers typically work 40 hours per week, in shifts, including weekends and bank holidays. Response officers work a rotating shift pattern:

• Two early shifts
• Two late shifts
• Two night shifts
• Four rest days

After you successfully pass training flexible working can be requested. We assess each based on its own merits and take into account what you need, and what the force needs too.

The PCEP programme covers a range of policing topics including:

• Operational policing, legislation and police powers
• Policing communities, response policing and crime investigation
• Protection, vulnerability and public protection
• Safeguarding
• Officer safety first aid training.

16 weeks initial classroom training with 1 week of annual leave built in.

15 weeks coaching unit on the front line for achievement of Independent Patrol Status - annual leave only to be taken during this time for exceptional circumstances.

Two weeks further training in the classroom.

No formal qualification to achieve upon completion of your two year probation period however requirement to achieve Operational Competence by the end of this period.

So you want to join us as a Police Officer.

The application process consists of several stages and it’s important to note that because of this, the average time from application to appointment is between 8–10 months.

The different steps of the recruitment process are detailed below, so you know what to expect at each stage.

Stage One: Application form

Your personal details will be checked and that all eligibility criteria has been met.

Stage Two: National sift involving Behavioural Style Questionnaire (BSQ) And Situational Judgement Test (SJT)

A multiple-choice assessment, which will assess whether you have the right behavioural traits to work as a Police Constable.

Stage Three: Online Assessment Centre

• Online video competency-based interview – This interview will be based upon the competency and values framework
• Briefing exercise – You will be presented with a short brief and have to prepare your responses to key questions.
• Written exercise – You will be provided with information and will be asked to provide written responses.

Stage Four: face-to-face interview

• Based on the Competency and Values Framework.

Stage Five: Pre-employment checks

This is when we begin our pre-employment checks which consist of a medical, vetting, biometric vetting, substance misuse and a fitness test.

• Fitness Test: you will need to obtain level 5.4 in the bleep test. More details on the test and preparation for the test can be found on our Job Related Fitness Test (JRFT) page.
• Medical: you will be required to complete a questionnaire with your medical history.
• Biometric Vetting: we will take your fingerprints, DNA, and check them against the appropriate database.
• Substance Misuse: we will also collect a sample of hair to test for the presence of inappropriate substances.
• Vetting: this will assess you and your families’ criminal record, financial status and business interests.

• References: we'll ask for references from each of your previous employers and/or educational establishments for the last five years. Any gaps in employment will need to be explained and verified. If you haven't been in employment for five years, we'll ask for a character or educational reference.

If you would like some helpful tips for the Assessment Centre click here

You are strongly advised not to hand your notice into your current employer until you have received your Formal Offer.  Successful candidates will receive their Formal Offer of Employment once all pre-employment checks have been successfully completed and an intake date confirmed.

If you have questions about the recruitment process, entry requirements, training, or progression get in touch. You can meet us at one of our recruitment events, email [email protected] or book a 1:1 recruitment call.

To apply for the role you must:

• Be aged 17 or over (on the day you submit your application). You will need to be 18 years or over by your first day.
• Have been a UK resident for the past three years.
• Be a British or Commonwealth citizen, or an EC/European Economic Area national, or a foreign national whose stay in the UK is unrestricted.
• Have a full UK manual driving licence (by the time of appointment).
• Not have six penalty points or more on your driving licence.
• Be prepared to work shifts including nights, weekends and bank holidays.
• Not have tattoos which could cause offence.
• Not be registered bankrupt (or have bankruptcy debts that have been discharged within the past three years).
• Be able to pass a job-related fitness test.
• Be able to pass a medical screening and meet the minimum eyesight standards.
• Not be a current or previous member of a proscribed terrorist organisation or group.

To be considered for entry to the PCEP, applicants must provide copies of the following qualifications:

• One A Level Grade A*-C or Level 3 equivalent, and one A Level Grade A*-E, or AS Level in a different subject, or Level 3 equivalent. You must have a minimum overall of 48 UCAS points (you can check how many points your qualification is worth on the UCAS tariff calculator). Alternatively, you can apply if you hold a Certificate in Knowledge of Policing.
• You must also hold GCSE Grade A*-C/4-9 or Level 2 functional skills in English or education equivalent at point of application. Degree Holders do not need to provide a Level 2 English qualification unless your degree was taught and assessed in a language other than English. Degree holders who’s degree is not studied in English will require an assessment from Skills Forward to test their English.
• Applicants who are in their final year of studying towards Level 3 qualifications can apply with predicated grades. You will be asked to provide proof of their qualifications when you receive your results in August. Applicants finishing in 2024 can apply with predicted grades.

Applicants without Level 3 qualifications can be considered if you have served in an emergency services role, military, armed forces or similar law enforcement agency considered to be operational by Sussex Police for a minimum of 2 years within the past 5 years and have an exemplary reference.

Applicants who do not hit the above Level 3 criteria and believe they have current experience equivalent to a Level 3 qualification, will be assessed on a case-by-case basis so please apply.

Applicants that are in their final year of study, can apply with predicated grades. Applicants will be asked to provide proof of their qualifications when they receive their results in August.

You will be required to upload and attach your relevant qualification certificates when you apply.

I haven’t got my qualification certificates – am I still eligible?

We need to see evidence, so you will need to request a certificate from your exam board. You can find more information here on gov.uk. If you have completed your qualification in the last few years we may well be able to check your Personal Learning Record (PLR), please contact the recruitment team on [email protected] and we can discuss this with you further.

I am currently studying can I still apply?

Applicants in their final year of study can apply. You will need to upload a copy of your predicated grades when you apply.

Does the grade of my level 3 qualification matter?

You will need to have one Level 3 at grade A* - C or equivalent. The Level 3 qualification must be a minimum of 32 UCAS points. You can find out how much your qualification is worth using the UCAS Tariff Calculator.

Does the subject of my Level 3 or above matter?

No – we can accept Level 3s in any subject.

I have a qualification from another country – will it still count?

You’ll need to provide evidence that your qualification is equivalent to or higher than the qualification(s) that are required for the appropriate entry route. For the UK and European countries you can check on the gov.uk website.

For qualifications from other countries we’ll need a translation of any certificates that are not in English and you may need to provide evidence of the comparative level, a formal Statement of Comparability can be purchased via ENIC.

I don’t have copies of my qualifications, what can I do?

You will need to provide copies of your qualifications or predicted grades when you apply. We can accept statement of results but you will need to provide copies of the original certificates before being invited to an assessment centre.  If you are unable to locate your certificates, Gov.uk can provide information on how to request duplicates or an accepted ‘certified statement of results’. We will be unable to able to allocate you to a course until we have received your certificates.

I’m not a British Citizen, can I still apply?

You can as long as you are an EEA National or a Swiss National. Commonwealth Citizens and Foreign Nationals are required to have leave to enter or leave to remain in the UK for an indefinite period and unrestricted permission to work in the UK.

Can I apply without a driving licence?

Yes. You do not need a driving licence to apply. However you will need to have a full UK manual driving licence for us to offer you a start date so start taking those lessons.

I have motoring offence, can I apply?

We assess motoring offences on an individual basis. However, if you have more than six penalty points you will not be eligible to apply to join Sussex Police as a Police Officer.

If I have a disability, can I still apply?

Yes. We welcome applications from people with disabilities. If you consider yourself to have a disability, please inform us within your application form of the type of reasonable adjustments you might need to assist you in participating in the recruitment and selection process. We will make these wherever we can.

Is there a height restriction?

No, there is no minimum or maximum height restriction.

I have attended the National Assessment Centre before and failed. Can I apply and take it again?

If you have attended the National Assessment Centre before and failed you will be able to reapply after six months. If it was between three and six months ago, you may be able to reapply, depending on your assessment centre scores. Please contact the Recruitment Team for clarification via email.

I have recently passed the National Assessment Centre while applying to join another force. Can these results be used in my application to Sussex Police?

Yes, as long as you undertook the full assessment, reached our required pass mark and have passed in the last 12 months. You can by-pass the online tests and be put through to the in-house force interview. If you wish to transfer results, please contact the recruitment team [email protected]

I have a medical condition, is that an issue?

Every candidate is individually assessed. Those with pre-existing medical conditions may be asked to provide additional medical evidence to support their application. The below acts as a mere guide to answer your initial questions.

Asthma - You will be individually assessed. Individuals with asthma that is well controlled with inhalers are usually acceptable.

Diabetes - Your blood-sugar levels need to be well controlled and you need to be able to adapt to the demands of the job such as varying shifts and meal times. You will be asked to provide evidence that your diabetes is well controlled.

Epilepsy - It is recommended that you have not experienced a seizure for at least 18 months (with or without medication) before you apply and have a full driving license

Stress, Anxiety or Depression - These roles are front-line and public facing, requiring the ability to deal with the public in a wide range of situations as well as exposing you to potentially upsetting incidents. A high level of emotional resilience is required to undertake this work. It is recommended that you have been stable and well for at least 1 year before you apply.

Dyslexia - We are able to support reasonable adjustments if you have a report confirming your condition. For police officers this report must be carried out as an adult. Support is available during training and in the workplace.

Severe Allergy - Most allergies are compatible with these roles, but if you have a severe allergy (including a history of collapse or breathing difficulties) we may require further information to establish your fitness for role.

Any type of blood clotting disorder which requires medication such as Warfarin - We may require further information to establish your fitness for role.

What does the medical involve?

To ensure you are fit for the role we ask you to undergo a fitness test and an individual medical assessment. Your medical assessment will take place with the Sussex Police Occupational Health and Wellbeing Service under strict confidence. Disabilities will be assessed taking into account the Equality Act 2010 and recommendations regarding reasonable adjustments made where appropriate. If you have a health problem, or recently had a lot of time off, we may need to see a copy of any relevant medical records, such as specialist reports, test results or a note from your doctor. You will not be able to proceed until we have received your GP report and optician test results

I wear glasses/contact lenses, can I apply?

A general level of eyesight is required to ensure you are able to carry out your role safely while driving police vehicles, taking accurate statements and relaying evidence in court. DVLA guidelines apply together with eyesight standards from the College of Policing. Corrected distance visual acuity must be 6/12 in the better eye and 6/6 or better binocularly. A field-of-view of at least 120 degrees horizontally by 100 degrees vertically is required. Those with monocular vision should be able to reach the visual field requirements and 6/6 corrected vision in their eye and be subject to a risk assessment by the organisation. Corrected near static visual acuity must be 6/9 or better binocularly. Glasses and contact lenses are both acceptable. Seeing a qualified optician every few years is a good way to ensure your eyes are healthy. For Police Constables we ask you to see a qualified optician prior to your medical appointment.

I am colour blind, can I apply?

Mild colour vision deficiencies are not generally a problem but you might not be able to progress into some specialist roles, such as roads policing officer or Taser/firearms officer. Unfortunately, if your colour vision deficiency is monochrome you are not eligible to apply.

What if I have hearing issues?

A good level of hearing is required to ensure you are able to carry out your role safely, to be able to document and relay what you have heard in a potentially crowded and noisy environment whilst also listening to your personal radio. Each ear individually for low frequencies (0.5+1+2) should be below 84 dB and for high frequencies (3+4+ 6) below 123 dB. Hearing aids are acceptable as long as they correct your hearing to adequate levels. Ensure you protect your ears from loud noise, e.g. when listening to music either live or through headphones or when riding a motorbike but also if you work in an environment that exposes you to loud noise such as drills or firearms. Avoid exposure to loud noise and flying the days prior to your medical.

Is there a specific weight/BMI I need to be?

Being overweight affects your overall health and puts you at increased risk of heart disease and diabetes. It can also affect your joints and might make it harder for you to achieve the fitness levels required for your role. Equally, being underweight can mean that you lack muscle mass to ensure adequate fitness levels. During your medical appointment your BMI will be calculated and used as a guide to assess your health risks and fitness levels. A BMI in the healthy to overweight range is desirable, if your BMI is 35 or above for PCs we will also assess your body composition and you might be deferred unless your body fat percentage is below 30% for men or 36% for women. Your best option is to ensure a healthy balanced diet and regular moderate exercise to ensure your own personal health and wellbeing as well as fitness for your role in policing. Check your BMI at www.nhs.uk/live-well/healthy-weight and assess your diet with the ‘eatwell plate guide’ www.nhs.uk/live-well/eat-well/the-eatwell-guide.

What does substance misuse testing entail?

We will invite you in to attend an appointment where we will collect a sample of hair of approximately 50 to 100 strands from the crown of the head to test for the presence of inappropriate substances.

I’m nervous about the fitness test.

We understand that some people may feel nervous when it comes to the fitness test, however you don’t need to be a professional athlete to succeed.

What does vetting mean?

We will carry out security checks on you and your:

• Spouse/partner.
• Father/Stepfather/Mother’s partner.
• Mother/Stepmother/Father’s partner.
• Brothers/Sisters (full/half/step).
• Children/children of your partner (only those aged 10 years and over).
• Any other adult living at your address.
• Financial circumstances.
• Social media accounts.

I have a relative who has convictions, can I apply?

If your friends or family members have criminal convictions, you must disclose this when asked on your vetting application. Your application will not be automatically rejected and consideration will be given on a case-by-case basis.

Can I still apply if I have a criminal record?

Applications will be rejected in all cases where:

• Offences were committed as an adult or juvenile which resulted in a prison sentence (including custodial, suspended or deferred sentence and sentences served at a young offenders’ institution or community home)
• The applicant is a registered sex offender or is subject to a registration requirement in respect of any other conviction.

For all other convictions or cautions, there is a rebuttable presumption that they should be rejected. In particular, the following would result in rejection: offences where vulnerable people were targeted; offences motivated by hate or discrimination; domestic abuse offences. Although the rebuttable presumption is that these should lead to rejection, there will be cases where this may be disproportionate in the circumstances. For instance, where the offence was committed as a juvenile, it was not serious and the individual has demonstrated a commitment to help individuals or communities in the subsequent years. In these cases, vetting acceptable may be justified.

Do I have to declare if I was arrested but not charged?

Yes. You must declare if you have ever been subject to a criminal investigation whether or not this led to a prosecution. Failure to make such declarations will lead to your application being rejected.

I’ve been bankrupt, can I apply?

You can still apply, but only if it is three years after bankruptcy debts have been discharged.

How about County Court Judgments (CCJ)?

If the judgment has been discharged then you can be considered however if you have an existing judgment your application will be unsuccessful.

I have an Independent Voluntary Agreement (IVA), can I apply?

Applicants with current IVA’s will be considered. However, you will be required to show that there is an IVA repayment plan in place and that you’ve maintained regular payments over a significant number of months.

Can I continue with my other business?

You must declare any other employment for hire or gain or any other business interests that you intend to maintain. A decision on whether it is considered that your business interests are compatible with performing the role of police officer will be made on the basis of the information you provide during application.

I have already completed a Certificate in Knowledge of Policing (CKP) with an external provider, does this make any difference to the process?

No, however this is a Level 3 qualification and therefore contributes towards our qualification criteria.

Do I have the right to work in the UK?

Your right to work in the UK depends on your immigration status - this is also called your ‘leave’. If you don’t have the right to work, you might be able to apply for it.

You automatically have the right to work in the UK if:

• you’re a British or Irish citizen.
• you have pre-settled or settled status from the EU Settlement Scheme - or you’ve applied and you’re waiting for a decision.
• you have a family permit from the EU Settlement Scheme.
• you have indefinite leave to enter or remain in the UK.
• you have right of abode in the UK.

You might have a right to work in the UK if you have a visa with a time limit. This is called having 'limited leave to enter or remain’. 

If you entered the UK illegally or your leave has ended, you don’t have the right to work in the UK.

How do I prove I have the right to work in the UK?

You might be able to prove your right to work online or by showing your employer certain documents. Any document you show your employer must be:

• valid - you can’t use a document that’s expired unless it’s a British or Irish passport.
• the original document - you can’t use a copy, however you can use a replacement birth certificate if you have lost the original.
• If your document is expiring soon and you’ve applied to extend your leave, you can still prove your right to work. You might need to use a different document or ask your employer to contact the Home Office Employer Checking Service (ECS) - it depends what kind of leave you have.

For further information about Right to work in the UK, please refer to the gov.uk website.

Can I transfer my assessment centre score?

If you have passed the National Assessment Centre (SEARCH, Day One or Online) in the past 24 months, you may be able to transfer your score to Sussex Police.

We can accept scores of 50% and higher for SEARCH, 55% or higher for Day One and a pass for the Online Assessment. Scores are valid for 24 months from the date of your assessment centre.

To transfer your score, please send a copy of your assessment report to [email protected]  

You can request your assessment report from the force at which it was undertaken.

How can I contact you if I have more questions?

If you have any questions about the recruitment process, please contact us via email at [email protected].