What we're looking for

We are seeking applications from individuals that are able to display the right values in accordance with the Code of Ethics and our organisational values; courage, compassion and inspiration.

Constables play a critical front-line role in the prevention and detection of crime and the criminal justice system. Constables work in partnership on a day-to-day basis with local communities, stakeholders and colleagues in order to promote law and order, reduce the fear of crime, provide reassurance and build confidence to improve the quality of life for citizens.

This role carries legal powers to enable the maintenance of law and order and bears responsibility for making autonomous decisions in accordance with the National Decision Model and Code of Ethics, exercising professional discretion, as appropriate to the role, in line with legal frameworks and policy guidelines.

Constables are required to meet and maintain the highest professional standards required of their role, by conducting all actions in a legal, balanced, proportionate and justifiable manner to uphold the law and achieve the best outcomes in a wide range of situations/incidents.

• Provide appropriate initial and ongoing frontline response to a wide range of incidents that may include complex and confrontational situations, assessing immediate risk, threat and harm to determine a proportionate response in line with the law, policy and guidance.
• Take a leading role in establishing effective localised partnerships to problem solve, engage with, reassure and support organisations, groups and individuals across communities in line with the Force’s planned approach.
• Effectively engage with victims, witnesses, suspects and the vulnerable, in accordance with equality, diversity and human rights considerations, to provide initial support, direct towards relevant services, establish relationships and gather information that prevents and reduces crimes.
• Maintain awareness of potential and actual risks to individuals, taking appropriate action to protect and support those in need of public protection to pre-empt or effectively address safety / vulnerability issues.
• Conduct effective and efficient priority and high-volume investigations as requested in line with standards of investigation to inform the development of high quality case files and initiation of criminal justice proceedings.
• Gather and handle information, intelligence, and evidence, from a variety of sources, in line with legislation, policies and guidance, taking the appropriate action to support investigations, law enforcement and criminal justice proceedings.
• Interview victims, witnesses and suspects in relation to appropriate crimes and investigations, to gather information that has the potential to support law enforcement objectives.
• Conduct first line analysis of information, intelligence and evidence to determine significance, generate lines of enquiry, inform decision making and support evidence based policing.
• Justify and professionally account for actions to ensure adherence to legal frameworks and key working principles, policies and guidance.
• Identify opportunities for and support the exploration of new ways of working and innovation in policing, applying critical thinking and problem solving methodologies to identify solutions to problems in line with evidence based practice within area of work.
• Support the implementation of problem solving and evidence based policing initiatives by championing and applying relevant methodologies and approaches to area of work.

Under the new entry requirements, you will need to hold the following qualifications prior to applying for the following training programmes.

Police Constable Degree Apprenticeship (PCDA):

• You must hold a level 2 qualification in both English Language and Mathematics at Level 2 / GCSE (A*-C or 9-4) or equivalent, and
• A Level 3 qualification within the meaning of Section 3 of the Education and Skills Act 2008 or the equivalent experience.

Applicants working towards these criteria will not receive an unconditional offer until able to evidence successful completion.

Where an applicant does not hold a level 3 qualification as per the criteria above, we will also consider training or work experience, whether undertaken in or outside England and Wales, which is considered to be equivalent to a level 3 qualification.

Degree Holder Entry Programme (DHEP):

• You must hold a level 2 qualification in both English Language and Mathematics at Level 2 / GCSE (A*-C or 9-4) or equivalent, and

• A Level 6 qualification (Honours Degree; Third Class and above)

Please note that all candidates will be required to provide evidence that they hold the above qualifications during the recruitment and selection process, which will include providing copies of certificates.

The skills required to perform the role of a Police Constable are supported and assessed through The Competency and Values Framework. This sets out nationally recognised behaviours and values, which will provide a consistent foundation for a range of local and national processes. The framework ensures there are clear expectations of everyone working in policing.

Values

The four key values that we are looking for in a police officer are:

• Integrity
• Impartiality
• Public Service
• Transparency

Candidates should possess the following key skills:

• Effective communication – communicates all needs, instructions and decisions clearly. Adapts the style of communication to meet the needs of the audience.
• Community and customer focus – sees things from the customer’s point of view and encourages others to do the same. Builds a good understanding and relationship with the community that is served.
• Personal responsibility – takes personal responsibility for own actions and for dealing with issues or problems that arise.
• Resilience – remains calm and confident, and responds logically and decisively in difficult situations.
• Problem solving – gathers information from a range of sources to understand situations, making sure it is reliable and accurate. Identifies risks and considers alternative courses of action to make good decisions.
• Respect for race and diversity – understands other people’s views and takes them into account. Treats people with dignity and respect at all times no matter what their background, status, circumstances or appearance.
• Team working – works effectively as a team member and helps build relationships within the team.