Military Service Leavers - Police Constable Entry Programme

Join Avon and Somerset Police: A New Mission for Veterans and Service Leavers

Your skills, discipline, and commitment have been invaluable in the armed forces. Now, Avon and Somerset Police offers you the chance to put those qualities to use in serving your community as a police officer.

Why Choose Avon and Somerset Police?

• Starting Salary of £29,907: Begin your new career with a competitive salary, increasing to £32,427 after just two years of service.
• Earn While You Learn: You'll complete a diploma designed to equip you with the skills and knowledge for success in your new role. Most of the diploma is completed in the first year, with an additional seven-week learning block in the second year.
• Forces-Friendly Environment: As a Gold Award recipient of the Armed Forces Covenant, we recognise and value the unique strengths that veterans, service leavers, and reservists bring, whether it's leadership, problem-solving under pressure, or resilience.
• A Meaningful Career: Continue serving, protecting, and making a difference in the lives of those in your local community, just as you did in the armed forces.

What You ll Bring

Your military experience has prepared you for the demands of policing:

• Discipline and Teamwork: You re accustomed to working in high-pressure environments and relying on the support of those around you to achieve your mission.
• Adaptability: As a service leaver, you ve experienced diverse and challenging situations - skills that align with the day-to-day responsibilities of a police officer.
• Leadership and Accountability: Whether you ve led a team or worked as part of one, your leadership skills will help you thrive in our structured, mission-driven environment.

Pathway into Policing

The Pathway into Policing provides veterans and service leavers with a clear and structured route into the police force:

• Initial Application: Simple and straightforward, tailored to recognise your military background.
• Policing Diploma: A comprehensive diploma program designed for veterans, completed alongside your duties, providing essential training for your role.
• Support and Mentorship: Receive ongoing support from other veterans within the police force, helping you transition smoothly into your new role.

Are you ready for your next mission? Apply today and take the next step in your career, continuing to make a difference in the lives of others.

Throughout the application process you may see reference to PCDA, however please be reassured that this a PCEP entry route.

Accordion: Job specific information

Throughout the two-year programme, recruits will receive comprehensive training both in the classroom and on patrol, with support from mentors and multi-skilled professionals. Training begins with a 12-week course followed by placement in one of our patrol teams, responding to various emergencies and providing frontline support to the public.

Veterans applying to this role will also have access to a range of benefits, including the Police Pension Scheme (2015), shift allowances, continued personal development, and access to employee assistance programs that offer legal advice, health assessments, and personal coaching.

Application Process

• Applications are open exclusively to those who have served in the armed forces for at least two years.
• The recruitment process includes a compulsory familiarisation event (virtual or in-person) in the week commencing 2nd October 2024, followed by a National Sift exercise from the College of Policing, an in force face interview week commencing 16th October and concluding with a virtual assessment centre starting on 29th November 2024.
• Please note that the application window may close early if we receive a high volume of successful applications, so we encourage you to apply as soon as possible.

Eligibility
To apply, candidates must meet the following criteria:

• A minimum of two years service in any branch of the armed forces.-Service records must be emailed to to support applications.
• Residency in the UK for the last three consecutive years.
• A valid manual driving license (specific queries about non-UK licenses should be directed to ). Provisional driving licenses can be accepted at the time of application, with the expectation that full manual driving license is obtained and evidenced no later than 1st February 2025.
• A level 2 (GCSE) in Maths and English language at grade C/4 or above, a functional skills equivalent will also be accepted.

All successful applicants will be vetted to a RV level

We also welcome applications from individuals with neurodiverse conditions or disabilities and are happy to provide reasonable adjustments throughout the recruitment process.

For full eligibility criteria and to apply, visit (Link). Click apply.

About us

Diversity is a strength and individuality is an asset.

We recognise the benefit different life experience and perspectives can bring.

We are on a journey to become the most inclusive police force in the country.

Find out more about our benefits and culture

Click the video link below to see why our colleagues feel they can "Be the Difference"