Entry routes
There are two entry routes to becoming a Police Officer with the City of London Police:
1. Police Constable Degree Apprenticeship Programme (PCDA)
2. Degree Holder Entry Programme (DHEP)
3. Professional Policing Degree Pre-Join Pathway
4. Initial Policing Learning & Development Programme (IPLDP)
1. Police Constable Degree Apprenticeship Programme (PCDA) minimum time: 3 years
This route is for people applying to be a Police Officer, who do not already have a degree.
Join as a constable and follow an apprenticeship in professional policing practice – you earn while you learn. This route normally takes three years and is jointly provided by Coventry University and City of London Police. It consists of a mixture of classroom based learning and ‘on the job’ training. On successfully finishing the programme, you complete your probation and achieve a degree.
2. Degree Holder Entry Programme (DHEP) minimum time: 2 years
This route is for people applying to be a Police Officer, who already have a degree.
If you have a degree in any subject, you can join and follow a work based programme, supported by off the job learning. This route take two years and is jointly provided by Coventry University and City of London Police. The learning you receive is recognised in a graduate diploma in professional policing. It consists of a mixture of classroom based learning and ‘on the job’ training.
3. Professional Policing Degree Pre-Join Pathway
This entry route involves completion of a three-year knowledge-based Degree in Professional Policing, prior to joining the police service. Becoming a Special Constable may be included as part of this programme. Candidates who are subsequently recruited will undertake practice-based training to develop specific skills and will be assessed against national assessment criteria in order to demonstrate operational competence.
4. Initial Policing Learning & Development Programme (IPLDP)
This is the original route into the service which is gradually being replaced with the three new entry routes but is still offered by some forces. You join a force and undertake a two-year programme after which if you successfully complete probation, you become a confirmed police constable ready for duties.