Our officers play a vital role in ensuring the communities of the West Midlands are kept safe.
The role isn’t always easy, but it is rewarding and offers a career like no other. We want people to join us from a wide range of backgrounds and life experiences; it is vitally important that we represent all the communities we serve.
Policing draws on many everyday skills, from reassuring a victim of crime to being a friendly face that encourages a vulnerable person to open up. While our training equips officers with the specialist skills they need, it is the human touch, kindness, humour, and empathy that people remember most.
All the entry routes listed below are now open for applications:
- Police Constable Entry Programme (PCEP): This is the direct route into policing. You will receive hands-on training and learn everything you need on the job. No university degree is required.
- Detective Constable Entry Programme (DCEP): This follows the direct entry route but specifically qualifies you to become a detective.
- Professional Policing Degree (PPD): This route is for those who have already graduated with a PPD and are now applying to their chosen force.
- Degree Holder Entry Programme (DHEP): For graduates of any subject, this two-year programme allows you to train while studying for a graduate diploma.
- Detective DHEP: For graduates wishing to specialise, this two-year programme focuses on detective training alongside a graduate diploma.
We are currently closed for new applications to become a Police Officer via the Police Constable Degree Apprenticeship (PCDA) route. Applications for this route will reopen on soon. Our other entry routes remain open. If you are happy to join the force via our non-degree apprenticeship routes, please see the other entry options listed above.
If the Degree Apprenticeship route is the only pathway you are interested in, please click the link below to register your details. We will contact you when applications reopen.
- Police Constable Degree Apprenticeship (PCDA): Earn while you learn. This three-year apprenticeship allows you to study for a fully funded policing degree while gaining valuable on-the-job experience.
Entry Routes
Confused about which entry route to choose? If so, the question might help...
- Do you hold a Professional Policing Degree (PPD)?
If so, the PPD entry route could be the right option for you. - Do you already hold a degree in another subject and want to study while becoming a police officer?
If yes, the DHEP (Degree Holder Entry Programme) may be the right route.
If not, the PCEP (Police Constable Entry Programme) could be suitable for you. - Do you want to study and earn a degree while training to become a police officer?
If yes, the PCDA (Police Constable Degree Apprenticeship) is the right choice.
If not, the PCEP may be the best option. - Interested in becoming a Detective Constable?
If so, consider the DC DHEP or DC PCEP entry routes.