Police Constable Entry Programme

Join Hampshire & Isle of Wight Constabulary and take the first step towards a career that changes lives - starting with your own.

Why Join Us?
Are you looking for a meaningful career where you can make a real impact on people’s lives? Join Hampshire & Isle of Wight Constabulary as a Police Officer, and you’ll embark on a journey that offers variety, challenge, and the opportunity to create safer communities. Whether you’re someone just starting your career and looking for a role with a purpose, a recent graduate or an experienced professional seeking a change - this could be the role for you.
As part of the Policing Plus pathway, Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary offers a nationally recognised, foundation degree-level qualification as part of your training – all without having to complete extra study.
Be part of a dynamic, forward-thinking force, working on the front-line to prevent crime, protect the public, and bring offenders to justice.

What is Policing Plus?
Policing PLUS is a 2 year programme focused on the role of being a Police Officer without studying for a degree or diploma whilst you complete your probation.
You will undergo an initial training period of 18 weeks and be posted to a station where you will work alongside a tutor to support you further in your training. Once you complete your tutor stage, you will then remain at your posting and attachments until you pass your probation. Once you pass your probation, you will be a substantive Police Constable and gain a recognised Level 5 in Professional Policing Practice.

What You’ll Do
As a Police Officer, no two days are ever the same – the variety of incidents and roles make this an exciting and demanding career. You could:
Respond to Emergencies: Attend incidents where your quick thinking and problem-solving will make a difference.
Investigate Crimes: Arrest and interview suspects, collect evidence, and work with victims and witnesses to achieve justice.
Engage with Communities: Build trust and maintain relationships with diverse communities to identify and solve local issues.
Tackle New Challenges: Adapt to an ever-changing criminal landscape, including cybercrime, fraud, and organised crime.

A Career of Variety and Progression
You’ll begin your journey as a uniform Police Constable, developing the fundamental skills and experience required to succeed. After completing your probationary period, the opportunities for career development and specialisation are endless:
Train to become a Detective Constable, investigating serious crimes and complex cases.
Join specialist teams such as counter-terrorism, cybercrime, or public protection.
Learn new skills and experience new roles such as response driving, becoming an Armed Response Officer or a Hostage and Crisis Negotiator
Progress into leadership roles or explore secondment opportunities to work on national or international projects.
We’re committed to helping you find your specialism and supporting you throughout your career.

Comprehensive Training and Support
We invest in your success from day one. Here is what you can expect:
18-Week Initial Training: Gain the knowledge and confidence to hit the ground running.
Mentoring and Frontline Experience: Learn from experienced officers while applying your training in real-life scenarios.
Ongoing Professional Development: Throughout your career, we’ll provide tailored training to help you progress and succeed in your chosen path.
About the Level 5 Diploma in Professional Policing
We’re proud to offer this qualification to all officers who enter via the Policing Plus route with Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary. Developed in partnership with the College of Policing and SFJ Awards, this diploma:
Formally recognises your training and development through a national qualification
Is awarded through work-based assessment – no need for separate coursework or exams
Fully aligns with your journey to Independent Patrol Status (IPS) and Full Operational Competency (FOC)
Comes at no cost to you – all fees are covered
A Level 5 qualification is equivalent to the second year of a bachelor degree programme of study. This qualification not only validates your skills but also enhances your career prospects and supports future progression.

Salary and Benefits
Joining Hampshire & Isle of Wight Constabulary is more than just a career choice; it’s a chance to secure your future. We know that to perform at your best, you need to feel valued and supported. That’s why we offer:
Starting Salary: £34,326 (including a £2,070 South East allowance), rising to over £50,000 after seven years
Pension Scheme: Enjoy financial security with a competitive pension plan.
Discounts and Perks: Access retail, food, and leisure discounts through the Blue Light Card and Hampshire Police Leisure & Sports.
Wellbeing Support: Comprehensive health and wellbeing services, including physiotherapy, occupational health, and an employee assistance programme.
Work-Life Balance: On-site gym facilities and flexible career paths to suit your aspirations.
Career Development: Continuous training, mentoring, and opportunities for promotion and specialisation.

Completing Studies in Summer 2026
Applications are currently being accepted from candidates who are currently in their final year of study, waiting to get their qualification results this summer!
If you have / are currently completing your final year of study and will be getting your qualification results this summer, we welcome you to submit an application to the Policing Plus Programme now!
Upon applying, you will still be required to go through our initial eligibility checks, but instead of providing your qualification at the point of application, you will need to provide evidence of your qualification to us once you have received your final qualification this summer.
Please note that whilst you are able to submit an application now and go through the recruitment process, if successful in the assessment process, we would not issue you with a Conditional Offer Letter to start your pre-employment checks until you have provided evidence of your final qualification.

Eligibility Requirements
A full manual or automatic driving licence must be held upon application.
In addition to being able to demonstrate a good standard of Maths and English (written and spoken), you must meet at least one of the following criteria at the point of application:
2x Level 3 qualifications OR a Level 3 qualification which is equivalent to 2 A Levels (or higher). To check the level of your qualification, please click here
A qualification from outside England and Wales which the UK National Recognition Information Centre (NARIC) recognises as a Level 3 qualification equal to 2 A-Levels
Level 3 certificate in Knowledge of Policing or Police Law and Community Certificate
Served in the military or armed forces, or similar law enforcement agency, and successfully completed the minimum term of service and have an exemplary reference, for a minimum of 2 years within the last 5 years
Served in another emergency service e.g. Special, PCSO or other operational role and have an exemplary reference, for a minimum of 2 years within the last 5 years. (Special Constables must have completed 2 years AND a minimum of 6 months once signed off IPS)
Should you not hold any of the qualifications or previous service listed above, you can choose to undergo an experience assessment as part of the recruitment process.
Please note, a full manual driving licence is still required upon application. Have resided in the UK for three years immediately prior to application. Not be a member of the British National Party (BNP) or similar organisation. Not have tattoos which could cause offence. Be a British or Commonwealth citizen, or an EC/European Economic Area national, or a foreign national whose stay in the UK is unrestricted.
Be able to pass the Job Related Fitness Test.