Applying to join as a police constable is still very much about on-the-job training, but with the added benefit of gaining a Graduate Diploma in Professional Policing Practice.

You will earn a competitive salary, enjoy an excellent range of employee benefits and support networks and make a difference to Essex communities. You’ll be a police officer from the day you join - embarking on an exciting career in policing where no two days are the same.

DHEP at a glance

  • suitable for those who already have a degree in any subject
  • Essex Police will cover all qualification fees - there is no cost to you as a student police officer
  • two-year academic and practice-based programme with Anglia Ruskin University including our comprehensive student officer training at Essex Police College
  • you study whilst serving as a full-time officer
  • the programme will count as your probationary period as a student officer and after the two-years you will graduate from both the diploma and your probation

To join the Degree Holder Entry Programme (DHEP), you must:

  • have an Honours degree (level 6) qualification or above, in any subject (apart from the pre-join degree : Degree in Professional Policing), from a recognised higher education establishment
  • you will also need to meet the eligibility criteria for becoming a police officer and pass the online assessment. See the College of Policing website for more information

All qualifications will have to be evidenced before a formal offer is issued.

You will start your training at the Essex Police training college in Chelmsford with some classroom-based learning. You will also join an operational policing team who you will work alongside in operational day-to-day policing.

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

  • policing, police law and police powers
  • protection, vulnerability and public protection
  • policing communities, response policing and investigating crime
  • police leadership, coaching and mentoring
  • officer safety training
  • emergency life support
  • safeguarding
  • crime investigation and operational policing skills

You will undertake both operational and academic written assessments (including exams, essays and presentations) throughout the programme to demonstrate your ability to carry out your policing responsibilities. You will also be required to complete an Operational Competence Portfolio with evidence of your achievements and pass operational assessments against a range of critical policing skills.

You will be fully supported in applying new skills and knowledge as part of your operational duties. This will let you put into practice what you are learning and help you to develop the skills and experience you need for this challenging but rewarding role.

You will need to successfully complete both operational and academic assessments before being awarded the degree.

If you are interested in joining our policing family and undertaking the Degree Holder Entry Programme (DHEP), please apply to join us.

We will be in contact with you and work with Anglia Ruskin University (ARU) to enrol you as a student.