Police Constable Full-time Job

Full job description

Starting salary range is £28,812 - £29,682 (this includes £3,000 South East allowance)

Have you gained valuable skills from previous work or life experiences?
Could you make a positive difference to support the people of Kent?

If you answered 'yes', then a career as a police constable might be the right path for you. No degree is necessary - we will provide you with the best training and support to enhance your existing skills and allow you to be the best you can be.

The role of a police constable can be demanding but it's that variety which makes it one of the most rewarding jobs. Every day presents a new challenge, you'll be faced with a variety of situations, with the aim of preserving public order.

After starting out as a PC, you can choose to progress within the force by joining one of our specialist teams. From the dog section to firearms, intelligence, rural task force, marine unit and victim justice, there are over 20 teams to choose from.

You'll be responsible for protection of life and property as well as prevention and detection of crime. Working as part of a team, you’ll help to protect and serve the diverse communities and businesses of Kent.

You will receive a starting salary of £28,812 rising to £43,032 within your first seven years.

The government has announced that from 1 September 2023 police officers can expect to receive a 7% pay increase. The starting salary will therefore be £31,551 – this includes the £3,000 South East allowance. Final confirmation is yet to be received and this could be subject to change.

Training

Our two-year training programme will provide you with a blend of practical 'on-the-job' experience and classroom-based learning at our training college in Maidstone. You will be fully supported in applying your classroom learning practically on the job.

Pay and benefits

The job comes with excellent pay and benefits that you can enjoy from your first day with us. You will also have job stability with varied career progression, leadership pathways and opportunities for promotion. You could work with our dog unit, become a cybercrime specialist, or keep the coastline safe with our Search and Marine Unit. Ultimately, it will be up to you to choose your path and the only limit will be your ambition.

Other benefits you can enjoy, include:

• Pension
• Leave – including paid holiday, maternity, paternity, adoption, and parental leave
• Financial services – including savings, investments, and protection products
• Holiday Scheme - heavily subsidised holidays
• Lottery Scheme
• Local and national discounts
• Free gym and sports section

Location

During the recruitment process you will be asked to identify which area in Kent (division) you would prefer to work. Your preference will be accommodated where we can, but this may not always be possible, and you could be posted to anywhere in the county.

Application form

In your application you will need to evidence your work and life experience. We will need you to outline your experience of:

• understanding customer/public needs and providing effective support to the customer/public
• adapting your communication style to meet the needs of different people
• solving complex problems and making decisions

We require evidence of the "more complex work" you have undertaken, so please ensure that your evidence outlines your experience undertaking work at this level.

Not sure?
If you're unsure about any part of the process, we hold recruitment events and workshops which offer further information about the role and Kent Police - www.kent.police.uk/application-workshops or contact us, we would be happy to discuss your options with you.

Health and fitness

Policing is not easy. Not only do you need determination and drive, but you also need to be healthy and have a good level of fitness.

Some medical conditions can prevent you from being able to cope with the physical and mental demands of the job. Further details can be found www.gov.uk/government/publications/national-recruitment-standards-medical-standards-for-police-recruitment

If you do some form of regular exercise, you should have no issue meeting the physical requirements of the job. You will be required to run a 15-metre track in time with bleeps which get increasingly faster. You need to meet level 5.4 on the bleep test to be successful.

If you fail on your first attempt don't worry. You're allowed two more attempts within 12 weeks. If after the third attempt you are not successful, we will be unable to continue with your application.

Tattoos and piercings

If you have a tattoo, you'll be asked to provide a brief and accurate description and two digital colour photos of each tattoo to show the location of the tattoo is and another close-up to show the image of the tattoo. Visible tattoos that are deemed unacceptable if they could be reasonably interpreted as discriminatory, offensive, or indicative of views which are inconsistent with the College of Policing code of ethics and standards of professional behaviour will exclude you from joining.

If you have a body piercing, you may be considered eligible to join. We will check to make sure it doesn't breach the standard of professional behaviour or constitute a risk to health and safety.

Criminal conviction/caution

Ideally, you shouldn’t have a criminal conviction or cautions record. If you do have one, eligibility will depend on the age and nature of the offence.

Vetting

Before anyone joins Kent Police we need to undertake a series of vetting checks to help identify and assess any identified risks, including criminal record and credit reference checks. To help us do this we ask you to complete a detailed vetting form which asks for details of your family members (parents, partner, children and siblings) and any criminal associates. You must let anyone whose details you have provided know that they will be looked into as part of your pre-employment checks. Legislative constraints mean that we’re unable to disclose the results of enquiries on third parties.

Other information that we will ask you to disclose includes financial information such as outstanding debts, CCJs etc. We run a credit reference check on all applicants. Police staff have access to privileged and highly sensitive information, which may make them vulnerable to corruption, so it’s important for us to understand applicants’ financial situation.

Apply now to start your rewarding career with Kent Police.

Application question(s):

• Have you lived in the UK continuously for the last three years? This does not apply to those serving abroad with the British Armed Forces.
• Have you been unsuccessful in an application for the same role with any Home Office forces in the last six months?
• Do you have a full UK category B driving licence?
• Will you be able to commute to your posted location which could be anywhere in Kent? Your area preference will be accommodated where we can, but this may not always be possible, and you could be posted to anywhere in the county.

Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

Salary: £28,812.00-£29,682.00 per year

Work Location: In person