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 degree or post graduate diploma while they work.

During your training as an officer you will also earn a degree qualification or post graduate diploma, 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 a few weeks learning the important stuff, you’ll get your uniform, join a team, and begin three years of practical learning that will shape your police career.

Lots of your learning will be done digitally. You’ll log onto our partner University’s system to watch lectures and access learning modules from your computer, without needing to travel to campus on a regular basis.

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.

Our 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.

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.

There are currently two routes of entry – a ‘police degree apprenticeship’ (PCDA) or a Degree Holder Entry Programme (DHEP) and you can view the entry requirements for each below.

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All of this comes with a starting salary of £21,000 for the PCDA or £22,000 for the DHEP and a fully funded qualification. Plus there’s loads of benefits, staff associations, social clubs and the pension to consider.

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 lots 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 – You’ll need to have achieved a level 2 qualification in English and Maths, in addition you’ll need the equivalent of 64 UCAS points at level 3 or completed a higher level qualification. If you have also achieved a degree or higher qualification (e.g. Masters, PGDip), or have served as a Special Constable, you may be eligible to join via the DHEP route.     
• 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 information provided during the recruitment and selection process.
• Vetting - Due to the nature of policing, it’s essential that we conduct rigorous vetting checks on successful applicants before they can join the programme. These checks will include personal details taken from you as well as from close family members and significant others.
• Financial position - It's important that you are not under pressure from un-discharged debts or liabilities and that you can manage loans and debts sensibly.

WMP is a large and diverse organisation where you can develop your skills, knowledge and career in an encouraging environment.

Please visit jobs.west-midlands.police.uk to view more about the opportunity, the full eligibility criteria and the information and documentation you’ll need to hand when you apply.

Once you begin your application, please complete and submit within 10 days.  

Diversity and Inclusion Vision: “Maximise the potential of people from all backgrounds through a culture of fairness and inclusion to deliver the best service for our communities”

Closing Date:  19th December 2019