Be the reason someone feels safe. Be the difference in your community.
Are you ready for a career where no two days are the same?
A role where your actions genuinely change lives?
The Police Constable Degree Apprenticeship (PCDA) gives you the chance to earn a full salary, study for a fully funded degree and make a lasting impact on communities across Derbyshire.
This is your opportunity to join a forward‑thinking, people‑focused force that values diversity, integrity and innovation.
Why choose the PCDA route?
The PCDA is an exciting three‑year programme delivered in partnership with a university. You’ll combine academic learning with real operational experience from day one. Your time will be split between university study, practical training at our headquarters in Ripley, and frontline policing.
- Year 1: Foundational training, classroom learning and tutorship
- Year 2: Rotations through key policing departments
- Year 3: Opportunity to apply for specialist areas
You’ll be paid throughout, with no tuition fees to contribute.
What you’ll be doing
As a Police Constable, you’ll be central to keeping Derbyshire’s communities safe. Your work will be varied, fast‑paced and deeply meaningful. You will:
- Provide frontline response to a wide range of incidents, assessing risk and making proportionate decisions in line with policy and law.
- Build strong relationships with local communities, working with partners to solve problems and improve safety.
- Support victims, engage with witnesses and suspects, and apply fairness, empathy and professionalism at all times.
- Identify and act upon risks to safeguard vulnerable people.
- Conduct high‑volume and priority investigations, preparing high‑quality case files.
- Gather, handle and evaluate information, intelligence and evidence to support investigations and criminal justice processes.
This is a career that challenges you — and rewards you with some of the proudest moments you’ll ever experience.
Salary
- Year 1: £31,164
- Year 2: £32,427
- Year 3: £32,427 (final year of probation)
- Progression: Up to £50,256 within 7 years
The must‑haves
You must have ONE of the following:
- Level 2 Maths and English (grade C/4 or above) AND 2 A‑levels or a Level 3 equivalent, or be in your final year of study.
- Be a current PCSO who has completed your development plan, passed probation, served 12 months and is up to date with mandatory training at the time of application.
- Current Special Constable (independent patrol status, 16 hours per month completed and mandatory training up to date) at the time of application.
- Current NIO (PIP1 qualified, probation passed and mandatory training up to date) at the time of application.
- Have 2 years' experience in a public‑facing role, currently employed in one of the following areas: Investigation, Emergency Services, Armed Forces or Prison Service.
- You must also hold a full, valid UK or EU manual driving licence before pre‑employment checks can progress.
Please refer to the qualification and experience guidance before applying.
Training & Cohort Information
Start Dates: September 2026 or March 2027
Your training will last 30 weeks, with pre‑booked leave only during this period. We cannot accommodate any prior commitments or holidays during training. Places are limited and will be offered to the highest‑scoring candidates.
What’s in it for you?
At Derbyshire Constabulary, we’re committed to creating an environment where you feel supported, empowered and able to be your best. You’ll benefit from a wide range of rewards and benefits designed to help you thrive both professionally and personally.
Next Steps
Interested in joining us?
We’ve also provided guidance to help you navigate the recruitment process.
Please note: Applications may close early if we receive sufficient interest.
Who We Are
We’re Derbyshire Constabulary—a force that puts people and communities at the heart of everything we do. Innovative, inclusive and committed to excellence, we’re here to protect, support and serve. To understand how you can make Derbyshire safer together visit our careers website.
We welcome applications from individuals from all backgrounds and encourage anyone who has considered a career in policing to apply. We’re particularly keen to increase the number of females and candidates from black and minority ethnic communities and the LGBT community, so that we can truly reflect the communities that we serve in.
