Job Description

Role: Police Constable Entry Programme (PCEP)

Location: South Yorkshire Police

Salary: £32,256

Hours: 40 per week

We are now accepting applications for Police Constable Entry Programme (PCEP).

Becoming a police constable is a career like no other. Not only will you be taking on challenges that will change your life, but you’ll be working to protect the people and communities of South Yorkshire. This is a career where you’ll travel between urban cities and rural towns, meeting people from all walks of life.

Whether you’re a sixth form or college leaver, a supermarket worker or ex-military, we know that you’ll have plenty of transferable skills which you can bring to a career with the police. Things like following processes, social and emotional intelligence, conversational skills and the ability to diffuse a situation are all skills we search for in our candidates. If you have the relevant experience and strengths, all you have to do is apply.

We are accepting applications from both degree and non-degree holders.

Joining the police force is a life choice. There will be a lot expected of you, especially when it comes to working nights and unsociable hours, but no day is the same. This is a career that will keep you on your toes; it is a challenge, but the reward is immense.

Qualifications/Experience:

To be eligible you will need to evidence a Level 2 qualification in both English and Maths (e.g. GCSE Grade C/4 or above or equivalent) and one of the following:

• Two A Levels (Grade A-E) or a minimum Level 3 qualification as defined in the Education and Skills Act 2008.
• A current serving PCSO who has completed their professional development plan, passed their probationary period and served 12 months in post.
• A current serving Special Constable who has attained directed patrol status, served 12 months in post and consistently completing sixteen hours per month.
• A current serving Investigating Officer who has attained PIP 1 qualification and served 12 months in post.
• Individuals who are currently serving or have previously served in the military or armed forces and have successfully completed the minimum term of service (usually 4 years) and have achieved an exemplary reference on discharge

If you apply with an international qualification you will need to demonstrate its equivalence to UK qualifications.You can do this by contacting the UK National Information Centre (UK ENIC) and obtaining a Statement of Comparability. This is an external service and there will be a charge.

Documents:

You must upload the following documents with your application, otherwise your application will not be assessed.

• Full Manual Driving Licence (a copy of both the front and back is required)
• Tattoos (only if visible on the hands, neck, forearms or face)
• Qualifications (certificates of both Level 2 English and Maths, along with Level 3 or above qualification certificates)
• For international qualifications: upload the original qualification document and an ENIC Statement of Comparability
• Further supporting evidence (if applicable i.e., military certificate of service)

For guidance on uploading your documents please click here.

Eligibility:

On application all applicants must:

• Be 17 years of age or older (you must be 18 by the time you are appointed).
• Be a national of the United Kingdom (UK). If you are not a national of the UK, you must have leave to enter or remain in the UK for an indefinite period. Candidates who hold time limited immigration permission, such as Skilled Worker visas, Student visas or Family visas do not meet the requirement for unrestricted right to work and are therefore not eligible for appointment.
• Have resided in the UK for three continuous years immediately prior to application. If you have been abroad during the last three years while serving in the UK Armed Forces or working for the UK Government, your application will still be considered.
• Hold a full manual driving licence. (Applications will be accepted if you don't have a full manual driving licence, however you will be expected to have passed your test and provided proof by 3rd November 2026).
• Not have tattoos on your hands, neck, forearms or face that could be offensive. Any visible tattoos will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.
• Not have been convicted of a criminal offence leading to a custodial sentence (including suspended).
• Not be subject to the notification requirements of Part 2 of the Sexual Offences Act 2003 (notification and orders).
• Not have been convicted of, or given a caution for, a listed offence, or convicted of an attempt or conspiracy to commit a listed offence.
• Not have been convicted of, or given a caution for, an offence which is determined to involve behaviour by the applicant amounting to domestic abuse.
• Not be registered bankrupt (or have bankruptcy debts that have been discharged within the past three years).
• Not be a current or previous member of a proscribed terrorist organisation or group.

For further information, please visit our eligibility criteria & FAQ’s pages.

What we offer:

• Starting salary of £32,256
• Annual leave of 25 days increasing with length of service plus bank holidays
• Access to a generous pension scheme
• Ongoing training and development opportunities leading to rank progression, Sergeant, Inspector, Chief Inspector, Superintendent, Chief Superintendent and beyond.
• Employee assistance service (accessible 24/7) covering a wide range of health, wellbeing and lifestyle issues
• Support and advice from our Occupational Health Unit
• Access to established staff support groups and networks

For further information, please visit our ‘what we offer’ page.

South Yorkshire Police Standards:

South Yorkshire Police’s overarching aim is to deliver an excellent police service to support safer communities. The public’s assessment of our excellence is influenced by the level of trust and confidence in us, as an organisation and as individuals. In comparison to the general public, police officers and police staff are held to a higher standards of behaviour and accountability. In applying to join the police, applicants are accepting of these higher standards and understand the implications on their right to privacy.

South Yorkshire Police’s Key Values:

At South Yorkshire Police we have 3 key values which run through everything we do Fairness, Integrity & Trust, the attached document details the key behaviours we expect all employees to adhere to.

Please click here to view this document.

Recruitment Timeline:

Please make sure you are available for dates within all stages of the recruitment process as alternatives may not be able to be accommodated. Dates are subject to change.

National Sift: 27th October – 3rd November 2026

Online Assessment Centre: 3rd – 10th December 2026

In Force Interview: 25th January – 12th February 2027

Start Date: 5th July 2027

Contact:

For further information about the role or for any queries, please contact the Recruitment Team on policerecruit@southyorkshire.police.uk

Diversity & Inclusion:

We are an organisation that welcome, support and value those from underrepresented communities. From difference comes invaluable life experiences, ideas and ways of thinking and by encouraging individuality we are working towards serving our communities and understanding our public better. Please visit our diversity and inclusion page to find out more:

Positive Action - Join SYP - SYP (southyorkshire.police.uk)

Apply:

To apply for the role, please click the ‘Apply’ button

Closing Date: 18th October 2026

View our recruitment video:

https://youtu.be/2dGn5qti7_c