Avon and Somerset Police
Professional Policing Degree (PPD) Programme
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Police Officer (Degree in Professional Policing – PPD) – Avon and Somerset
About the Role
The Degree in Professional Policing (PPD) is a professional academic qualification aligned with the national curriculum for police constables, offering an alternative entry route into policing before applying to a force.
To join Avon and Somerset Police as a Police Officer via this route, you must:
- Complete the Degree in Professional Poliscing (PPD) or be in the final year of study Graduation must be confirmed before applying.
- Hold a Level 2 in Maths and English (Grade C/4 or above) or a functional skills equivalent
Entry Requirements
- Apply within five years of graduating in the Degree in Professional Policing.
- Meet the Eligibility for Public Appointment policy criteria (executed properly, compliant with Domestic Extreme Risk Protection Orders & Cad Commercial Programme to apply to you).
- Have a 3-year checkable residency history in the UK (continuously resident in the last three years).
Who Can Apply?
- Completers of the Degree in Professional Policing (PPD) within last 5 years or those in their final year at University (with predicted degree confirmation).
- Degree Holder Entry Programme (DHEP) eligible: If you hold a degree in a different subject, contact recruitment to check eligibility for that route.
- Police Constancy Degree Apprenticeship (PCDA): Available if you do not hold a degree.
Responsibilities
As a Police Officer (PPD), your responsibilities include:
- Delivering exceptional service to communities through:
- First-response to emergency incidents (e.g., road traffic collisions, domestic abuse, anti-social behaviour).
- Providing care, reassurance, and protection to victims in distress.
- Operating effectively in high-pressure environments while maintaining compassion, empathy, and sound judgment.
- Engagement across all backgrounds, using excellent communication skills to build public trust and confidence.
- Working cohesively within a multi-skilled team, demonstrating accountability, teamwork, and a commitment to continuous improvement.
- Protecting and serving the communities by upholding the law and ganging the public’s trust where policing is required.
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Practical Experience & Development
First 2 Weeks (Induction)
- Complete training in personal protection, driver skills, emergency response systems, and classroom instruction at Police HQ in Portishead.
Tutorship Period
- Work alongside a dedicated mentor with a 24/7 response team.
- Experience real-time poling, implementing learned skills.
- Progress towards achieving independent patrol status. Former Special Constables progress with a focus on mentoring.
Probation Period
- Achieve full operational competence within 2 years.
- After initial training, placed in Patrol within the Response Directorate.
- Must operate across days, evenings, nights, and weekends.
Job Benefits
Competitive Salary & Career Progression
- Starting salary: £31,164/p.a.
- Tenure-based increments to £50,256 (after approx. 6 years of service).
Generous Employee Support
- Police Pension Scheme 2015 (up to 33% or more of final salary post-career).
- Shift allowances to compensate for out-of-hours work.
- Free company laptop, mobile phone, and training support.
- Health and life schemes.
- Enhanced annual leave (over 4 weeks in line with force policy, including study/research schemes).
Relocation Support
- Given consideration if you come from outside the current force area after success.
Life as a Police Officer with Avon & Somerset
The following blog is a first-hand experience from a PPD graduate joining the force.
*"I chose to apply originally because it was my ‘home’ force, and I was familiar with the area. In addition, I had volunteered as a Police Cadet and found the experience highly rewarding and inspirational. Excitedly, joining further with my expanding police-focused route gave me a affirming step onwards towards achieving my goal. Here's my account of the first PPD cohort—
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“My first day at Police HQ was an eye-opener, made easier through familiarity with the force culture. Time and pedagogy in training resulted in a smooth transition into field patrol. The diversity of cases in my shifts has reinforced the professionalism demanded of the role.
What stood out to me is the camaraderie. ‘Team’ was often highlighted during training as a vital skillset, but joining in reality shone brightly as connecting instantly to a shared family.”*
Our team took the time to understand the nuances of the PPD route and word I was well supported upon graduation. My colleagues came from multiple backgrounds, united by dedication to community protection. Whether domestic abuse cases or recovering stolen vehicles, their teamwork epitomized the very essence of policing.”
Where You’ll Be Posted
Officers are deployed based on operational demand and force-wide standards, but posted within the force boundary.
How to Apply
Your application success depends on several steps:
- Complete and submit an application outlining your Degree in Professional Poliscing preference.
- Upload official documentation matching eligibility requirements (On completion—proper signed any degree certificate, certificates, if a school career or business activity resume if no exception, final university predicted degree submission pertaining only to financially accommodating students).
Selection Process
- Familiarization Day (must attend). Before we consider your fit with the force.
- Online Assessment Center (to showcase cognitive and interpersonal skills).
- Face-to-face interview with the team/staff recruiting team.
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