Dorset Police
Police Officer - PC Entry Routes Only - (July - September 2026)
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Salary: £31,164 per annum + Excellent Benefits including Government Pension
Location: Dorset - Force wide
Closing Date: 30/09/2026, Midday
Hours per week: This role is 37 hours per week. However, we welcome applications from individuals wishing to work on a part-time basis and we are willing to consider flexible working patterns subject to business need.
Job Advert Description
We are currently open for PC entry routes only, this includes PCDA / PCEP / PC-DHEP and PPD. Unfortunately on this campaign we will not be accepting any DCEP or DC-DHEP entry routes. If a Detective application is submitted in this campaign it will be withdrawn and you will need to re-apply in an appropriate campaign in the future.
If you enjoy facing challenges, coming up with solutions to problems and want to keep your community safe whilst developing your own skill sets, then policing could be for you.
You will work as an officer from your first day. As a police officer, you will engage directly with our communities and will be responsible for ensuring they receive an outstanding policing service.
Strong communication skills with the ability to proactively develop effective working relationships with colleagues, partners and other stakeholders, understanding their needs and concerns is essential. You’ll need empathy and compassion as well as a desire to make a difference.
Constables play a critical front-line role in the prevention and detection of crime and the criminal justice system.
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There are currently Four entry routes:
-
Police Constable Degree Apprenticeship (PCDA)
- Obtain a fully funded, paid and supported Professional Policing degree in your first three years
- Must have Level 2 (Grade C /4 or above) in English & Maths
- Must have Level 3 (minimum - 32 UCAS points), 18 months service as a PCSO / Call handler / Special Constable
-
Police Constable - Degree Holder Entry Programme (DHEP) - Available for Response Only
- Obtain a fully funded, paid and supported Diploma in Professional Policing degree in your first two years
- Must have a Level 6 Degree in any subject except Professional Policing
-
Professional Policing Degree (PPD)
- Initial Police Constable training only in your first two years
- Must have a Level 6 Professional Policing Degree
-
Police Constable Entry Programme (PCEP) - Available for Response Only
- Obtain a fully funded, paid and supported level 5 diploma in Professional Policing Practice in your first two years
- Must have Level 2 (Grade C /4 or above) in English & Maths & Must have Level 3 (minimum - 32 UCAS points)
Or - 18 months service as a PCSO / Call handler / Special Constable or service in one of the other accepted roles – these can be found on our Force Website.
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PLEASE NOTE:
Should you decide to apply for this role, when you are asked to state how you found out about this vacancy, please remember to select LinkedIn.
What you get if you join us:
- A competitive salary with yearly increments up to £50,256 within seven years of joining
- 25 days a year leave entitlement (excluding bank holidays), rising incrementally to 30 days following 10 years’ service.
- Access to heavily subsidised gym membership that will provide you access to police site gyms throughout the counties.
- Access to the Blue Light Card Scheme for discounts and services (requires a one off payment).
- Lifestyle benefits, including sports, gym and social facilities and activities and cycle to work scheme.
- Company sick pay.
- Competitive police pension scheme.
- Job related equipment, as required.
- Free onsite parking at many police sites throughout the counties.
- Support networks, free Employees Assistance Programme, Occupational Health and wellbeing services.
- Development and training opportunities.
- Career Opportunities available in various locations across the force area.
- Access to supportive and active staff groups, networks and associations.
- Supportive and flexible training plan, including regular check-ins throughout your initial period of joining us to ensure you are up to speed with the role and getting the support you need.
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