Bedfordshire Police
Bedfordshire Accelerated Detective programme (Detective Degree Holder Entry Programme)
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This advert is for a March 2027 intake start date, the advert will close on 30th September 2026
Bedfordshire Detective Constable Degree Holder Entry Programme
Applicants are sought with a curious, inquiring mind, who think they have what it takes to be a Detective.
The accelerated detective programme, also known as, Detective Degree Holder Entry Programme (D-DHEP) is a two-year programme that combines on-the-job learning alongside working towards a fully funded graduate diploma with Anglian Ruskin University, all whilst earning a competitive salary and making a difference.
Training Overview
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Initial 27-Week Phase:
- Teaching all the knowledge and skills of frontline policing.
- Crime National Investigators Examination top-up.
- Working on patrol as a police officer.
- Supported by a tutor to practice safe and lawful competency in the workplace and gain Independent Patrol Status.
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Second Year:
- Teaching detective role elements such as specialist interviewing techniques.
- Two placements in an investigative environment.
- First placement: Volume crime team.
- Second placement: Specialist unit such as intelligence, serious sexual offences, and serious assaults.
Post-Training
Following successful completion of the two-year training period, you will be confirmed as a Detective Constable and posted within one of our specialist investigative teams.
Salary
Starting salary is £31,164 per annum plus £1,500 location allowance.
Application Requirements
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- You must hold a full manual driving licence, or a full automatic driving licence where required as an adjustment due to a disability.
- You are required to hold a Degree, this can be in any subject (there are no restrictions in place regarding classification of the award).
- No policing experience is necessary, but it is essential that candidates applying display the skills and attributes suited to the role, including an inquisitive mind, excellent interpersonal skills, and a high level of integrity.
Application Process
- Provide Evidence of Academic Qualifications: You will be asked to provide evidence of your academic qualifications for assessment by Anglia Ruskin University. Please ensure you have evidential certificates available for all qualifications.
- Complete the Application Form: Read the information available on our website prior to completing the application form as it contains important information and guidance.
- National SIFT: Your application will be reviewed to ensure you meet the eligibility criteria and you will then be invited to attend the online College of Policing National SIFT.
Additional Notes
- Diversity and Fairness: Bedfordshire Police is committed to fairness towards all members of the community. We are looking for individuals with a range of skills and experiences from a mixture of backgrounds in order to deliver an excellent Police service. We welcome and encourage applications from all diverse groups from within our communities.
- Internal Candidates: For Bedfordshire internal candidates, to ensure a return on investment on the training invested for your current role, if you are currently a in the Force Control Room, Detention Officer, or a PCSO, you will need to have completed a minimum level of service in that role before you are able to apply. This is 12 months for PCSOs and 18 months for both Communications Operators and Detention Officers.
- Special Constabulary and Police Community Volunteers: Members of the Special Constabulary and Police Community Volunteers are welcome to apply.
- Exclusive Application: Please note that if you are applying for the Detective Degree Holder Entry Programme, you will be unable to apply for any other Police Officer entry routes within Bedfordshire Police.
- High-Risk Role: This role has been identified as high-risk in relation to potential DNA and fingerprint contamination within forensic processes. As such, successful candidates will be required to provide a DNA and fingerprint elimination sample as part of their pre-employment checks. The sample will be used solely for contamination elimination purposes and held on a secure elimination database in accordance with the Data Protection Act 2018 and GDPR. Provision of this sample is a condition of employment for roles identified as high-risk.
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