Dorset Police
Police Officer (Student)
Get notified of more jobs like this · No spam, ever
How your CV stacks up
Upload your CV to see how well it fits this job role
?%
Apprenticeship Starting Salary £31,164 - Degree Starting Salary £31,164
Excellent Benefits including Government Pension
Location: Forcewide - Dorset
Closing Date: 30/09/2026, 12:00
About the role:
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 If a Detective application is submitted in this campaign it will be withdrawn and you will need to re-apply in an appropriate campaign in the future.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.
Entry Routes:
1. 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
Reasons to use Rodeo
Start with a chat, not a search bar
Grad scheme, placement, apprenticeship? Not sure what you want yet — that's fine. Your agent talks it through with you and turns "I have no idea" into a shortlist.
It searches the market for you
Every day your agent scans the market matching roles against what actually matters to you, not just keywords on a CV.
Only hits
No noise. No "maybe this fits." Just roles with a clear explanation of why they're right — and where to focus when applying.
2. 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
3. Professional Policing Degree (PPD)
- Initial Police Constable training only in your first two years
- Must have a Level 6 Professional Policing Degree
4. 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.
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.
Get help with your application
Your very own career expert that helps elevate your application to the next level.
We want our officers to feel safe to disclose any disability or long-term health condition, feeling confident they will be supported as necessary. We encourage you to tell us if you have a disability on your application so we can offer you support throughout the recruitment process and your career. The information you provide us around any disability will be shared with our Occupational Health team and our Learning and Development Team should you be successful. These teams will support you and make sure you have all the required measures in place to carry out your role.
Closing date to join our next planned intake: 31/09/2026, 12:00. Please note: Recruitment remains ongoing and applications received ahead of the closing date will be accepted for our next intakes in 2027.
Want to know more about this role?
Please click on the 'Apply' button to be taken to the vacancy on our website for further information about the role including the role profile.
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.
“It took my CV and asked me questions relevant to understanding what kind of jobs to suggest for me. Suggestions were almost perfect. Jobs were exactly what I’ve been looking for.”
Jessica, London
Skills
Location