Police Officer - Degree Holder Entry Programme - DHEP

Want to be a police officer? Entry into the service has changed - and West Midlands Police is one of the first to recruit student officers to study for a graduate diploma while they work. The Degree Holder Entry Programme (DHEP) is the right route for you if you have a degree (or higher qualification such as a Post Graduate Diploma, Masters, PhD) and meet the eligibility criteria detailed below. With a starting salary of 22,550 for the DHEP and a fully funded qualification. Assuming satisfactory performance, your salary will rise to 24,177 in your second year and 25,269 in your third. Plus there is a large variety of benefits, staff associations, social clubs and a pension to consider. As a Police Officers play a vital role in ensuring that the communities of the West Midlands are kept safe. It isn't easy but it is rewarding and can be a career like no other. We want people to join us who have a range of life experiences and backgrounds; it is vitality important that we represent all of the communities that we serve. About the DHEP During your training as an officer you will also earn a graduate diploma in Professional Policing Practice, which will be recognised internationally. Your formal training will take place alongside your practical work in one of our many policing teams across the West Midlands. After an initial training period, you'll get your uniform, join a team, and begin two years of practical learning that will shape your police career. Lots of your learning will completed 'on the job' and digitally, with your face-to-face classroom style learning will be based in Birmingham; there's no need to travel to Staffordshire University's campus. As you're completing a level 6 qualification there is an expectation that some learning will be completed in your own time. When you're not studying you'll be working alongside your colleagues, on a neighbourhood policing team - being the face of West Midlands Police in our local communities, on a response team - on the frontline of our emergency service, or in one of our investigations teams - helping to solve some of the most serious crimes and catch those responsible. Working in the West Midlands The West Midlands is one of Europe's most diverse and challenging policing environments, serving 2.8 million people in an area rich in diversity, with around 30 per cent of its population from ethnic minority backgrounds. Birmingham is also the youngest city in Europe, with under 25s accounting for nearly 40 per cent of its population. Our values embody what we are, to join us you must have real passion for people and communities as well as the drive to work alongside local people, building relationships and making a difference in the West Midlands. As the second largest Police Force in the UK policing the West Midlands is diverse and fast-paced. Careers with us are varied and demanding - but exciting too. From major incidents to community policing, every day is different and with events like Coventry City of Culture 2021 and Birmingham hosting the Commonwealth Games 2022 to look prepare for, a career with WMP has a lot to offer. Am I eligible? The people of the West Midlands deserve an excellent service so we are looking for the best people to join us and demonstrate our values. But there's some formal stuff you'll need to have too, to make sure you meet nationally set eligibility criteria. In summary: Academic Qualifications: To be eligible for this route you will have achieved: * A Degree (Level 6) or above in any subject at any grade * OR be in the final academic year of your degree (or above); unfortunately if you do not achieve your qualification you will not be eligible for the DHEP but may be able to transfer your application to the Degree Apprenticeship route dependant on qualifications When you apply for the role you must attach your qualification certificate(s) to your application; if you're applying in your final year of study we'll require a letter from your University to confirm you're currently studying for a degree and the estimated dates of completion. Age - How old you are doesn't determine whether you'll be a great officer, so we are happy to receive applications from people aged 18 or above Nationality - You must be a British Citizen, European Economic Area (EEA) National, a Commonwealth Citizen or Foreign National with no restrictions on your stay in the UK Residency - have been resident in the UK for three years immediately prior to application. Where applicants have been resident abroad due to serving in the British Armed Forces or on UK Government Service, they are considered to have been resident in the UK. Cautions and conviction - Ideally, you shouldn't have a criminal conviction or cautions record. If you do have one, acceptance will depend on the age and nature of the offence. We are unable to state whether your convictions record will affect your application before you apply. This will be determined from the full and confidential info