Police Constable Entry Programme (PCEP)

We will ask you to answer the following questions. Please respond fully drawing from your previous experience, aiming for approximately 200 words in each response. 

1. how you understand customer needs and provide effective support
2. how you adapt your communication skills to meet the needs of different people
3. how you solve complex problems and make good decisions
4. how your experience or training is equivalent to a GCSE (or equivalent) in maths and has equipped you with the potential to undertake the necessary elements of the role
5. how your experience or training is equivalent to a GCSE (or equivalent) in English and has equipped you with the potential to undertake the necessary elements of the role

When constructing your response, use examples from previous roles or life experience. You can use the STAR method to create your response:

1. describe the situation
2. clarify your task
3. explain the action you took
4. list the results

Example

In my current role as an engineering supervisor, I consider communication to be a really important part of leading my team. Although engineers often have their own tasks to accomplish, my management style uses regular communication and feedback to make sure everyone understands their targets. I ensure my team knows they can come to me with any questions or suggestions and I am very accessible through online chat software or on the phone. I also have daily meetings with my team so we can freely talk to each other about the day's projects and raise any questions or concerns.

Last year, one of my engineers had an idea for a new feature to one of our projects, but he needed help figuring out how it would work and how to implement it. We spent several meetings drafting ideas together and talking about the different aspects of the new feature. It took time, but our meetings and communication led to a successful new feature that we incorporated into subsequent projects.

The national sift has been designed to allow you to demonstrate your suitability for entry to the next stage of the recruitment process. The national sift consists of two exercises: the situational judgement test (SJT) and a behavioural styles questionnaire (BSQ).

These exercises are used to assess capabilities, strengths and behaviours that are important within the role you have applied for. The Competency and Values Framework (CVF) sets out the behaviours expected in policing. For the national sift, the competencies review criteria is set at level 1. You can find out more about the Competency and Values Framework on our website. For the national sift, no prior policing knowledge is required to complete the exercises. For more information about the national sift please view the College of Policing website.

The College of Policing online assessments are a selection of exercises used to assess your suitability to fulfil the role of police constable. These exercises are mandatory assessments designed specifically for the recruitment of police constables.

Throughout the exercises, you will be assessed against the competencies and values that are important for effective police constables. The competency and values framework (CVF) sets out the behaviours expected in policing. For police constable recruitment, the competencies review criteria is set at level 1. For more information about the Online Assessment process, please see the College of Policing website.

Upon successful completion of your training at the Training College, you will join an operational policing team where you will continue your learning and development whilst undertaking day-to-day police duties.

The programme will cover a wide range of policing topics including:

• operational policing, legislation and police powers
• protection, vulnerability and public protection
• policing communities, response policing and crime investigation
• officer safety training
• emergency first aid
• safeguarding
• application of policing skills

You will undertake assessments throughout the programme to demonstrate your ability to carry out your policing responsibilities. You will also need to complete a portfolio to provide evidence of your progress. You will be fully supported throughout the process, helping you to develop and enhance the skills and experience you need for this challenging but rewarding role.

Many people fail the vetting process because they withhold information.

You will not qualify for vetting clearance if you:

• have any county court judgments (CCJs) outstanding
• have been registered bankrupt and have not discharged your bankruptcy. You will not be considered until three years after the discharge of the debt. Debt Relief Orders (DRO) are treated in the same way as bankruptcy
• refuse to discuss a relevant matter or engage with the vetting process

If you have applied for a police officer role (including special constable) or as a member of support staff and you are in the evidential chain, your application will be rejected where:

• offences were committed as an adult or juvenile which resulted in a prison sentence (including custodial, suspended or deferred sentence and sentences served at a young offender's institution or community home) or
• you are a registered sex offender or are subject to a registration requirement in respect of any other conviction

For more information please view the vetting guidance.