Police Constable Degree Apprenticeship (PCDA)
Applying to join as a police constable is still very much about on-the-job training, but with the added benefit of gaining a BSc (Hons) in Professional Policing from Anglia Ruskin University. There is no cost to you - Kent Police will cover all qualification fees.
Please read the competencies and values framework before starting your application as we will score you against these during shortlisting. It would also be beneficial to visit the National Crime Agency website as part of your application preparation.
Please note should this police officer entry route be oversubscribed, it may be necessary for us to make changes to your entry route based on your eligibility to secure your optimum joining date. If this is the case, we will contact you.
Due to recent recruitment successes, and the high volume of interest in people wishing to join Kent Police, the current recruitment process is taking six months from application to joining Kent Police. We encourage you to apply now and continue through the various stages of the selection process. Thank you for your patience and for considering an exciting career with Kent Police – we look forward to welcoming you to our team!
The national sift has been designed to allow you to demonstrate your suitability for entry to the next stage of the recruitment process. The national sift consists of two exercises: the situational judgement test (SJT) and a behavioural styles questionnaire (BSQ).
These exercises are used to assess capabilities, strengths and behaviours that are important within the role you have applied for. The Competency and Values Framework (CVF) sets out the behaviours expected in policing. For the national sift, the competencies review criteria is set at level 1. You can find out more about the Competency and Values Framework on our website. For the national sift, no prior policing knowledge is required to complete the exercises. For more information about the national sift please view the College of Policing website.
The College of Policing online assessments are a selection of exercises used to assess your suitability to fulfil the role of police constable. These exercises are mandatory assessments designed specifically for the recruitment of police constables.
Throughout the exercises, you will be assessed against the competencies and values that are important for effective police constables. The competency and values framework (CVF) sets out the behaviours expected in policing. For police constable recruitment, the competencies review criteria is set at level 1. For more information about the Online Assessment process, please see the College of Policing website.
You will be invited to a face-to-face interview at Kent Police College in Maidstone with serving police officers or staff.
We will contact you with further information by email about:
- when and where your interview will take place
- guidance about the format of the interview
During your interview, you will be asked six competency-based questions to assess you against the Competencies and Values Framework (CVF). The framework outlines the expected behaviours in policing, with the review criteria for police constable recruitment set at level 1.
This interview is your chance to demonstrate why you should join our team by providing examples from your personal life, work, school, or college that reflect the values and competencies required to be an excellent police officer.
This is a formal assessment and the dress code is smart.
You will start your training at our training college which will involve both classroom-based and practical learning. Upon successful completion of your initial training, you will join an operational policing team where you will continue your learning and development whilst undertaking operational day-to-day police duties.
The programme will cover a wide range of policing topics including:
- policing, police law and police powers
- protection, vulnerability and public protection
- policing communities, response policing and investigating crime
- police leadership, coaching and mentoring
- officer safety training
- emergency life support
- safeguarding
- crime investigation and operational policing skills
You will undertake both operational and academic written assessments (including exams, essays and presentations) throughout the programme to demonstrate your ability to carry out your policing responsibilities. You will also be required to complete an Operational Competence Portfolio with evidence of your achievements and pass operational assessments against a range of critical policing skills.
You will also be required to produce a 10,000 word dissertation based on research into a policing topic.
You will be fully supported in applying new skills and knowledge as part of your operational duties. This will let you put into practice what you are learning and help you to develop the skills and experience you need for this challenging but rewarding role.
Many people fail the vetting process because they withhold information.
You will not qualify for vetting clearance if you:
- have any county court judgments (CCJs) outstanding
- have been registered bankrupt and have not discharged your bankruptcy. You will not be considered until three years after the discharge of the debt. Debt Relief Orders (DRO) are treated in the same way as bankruptcy
- refuse to discuss a relevant matter or engage with the vetting process
If you have applied for a police officer role (including special constable) or as a member of support staff and you are in the evidential chain, your application will be rejected 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 offender's institution or community home) or
- you are a registered sex offender or are subject to a registration requirement in respect of any other conviction
View the full vetting guidance.