Detective Constable Entry Program (DCEP)

Merseyside; Liverpool; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A regional police force is looking for individuals to join its Detective Constable Entry Programme in Liverpool. This unique opportunity allows candidates to work as uniformed police officers while developing the skills necessary for complex criminal investigations. Candidates will require Level 2 GCSEs in Maths and English or equivalent. This role offers a chance to make a real difference in the community while engaging in serious crime investigations with a dedicated support system.

Benefits

Training and development opportunities

Support for diverse candidates

Qualifications

• Must have Level 2 Maths and English Language GCSEs or equivalent.
• Strong problem-solving skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to handle distressing situations.

Responsibilities

• Investigate serious and complex criminal cases.
• Work under a competent detective mentor during training.
• Pass the National Investigators Exam to qualify.

Skills

Critical thinking

Attention to detail

Problem-solving

Education

Level 2 Maths and English Language GCSEs (Grade C/4 and above)

Job description

Detective Constable Entry Programme

Detective Constable Entry Programme – Protecting your streets, caring for your community, taking pride in what you do. A career as a detective in Merseyside Police.

Are you a critical thinker who pays attention to detail and enjoys problem‑solving? We are looking for individuals with curiosity and drive to follow every lead, uncover the truth behind situations, and achieve results. It’s not for the faint‑hearted; you will often deal with distressing situations while working on serious and complex criminal investigations.

The role of a detective constable is not dissimilar to that of a police constable – both are same rank but different operational roles. Detectives handle more serious and complex cases ranging from fraud and domestic abuse to county lines, serious assaults, and many others. Once qualified, there are opportunities to specialise in counter‑terrorism, serious and organised crime, intelligence, etc.

From Liverpool’s bright lights to Sefton’s sandy beaches, you’ll serve a population of 1.5 million over 647 square kilometres. Being part of Merseyside Police is a unique experience. You’ll build better communities and a career that counts.

Diversity, Equality & Inclusion

We aim to attract a diverse range of individuals, especially women and black & ethnic minority candidates. We have a dedicated team to support people from diverse communities throughout the application process.

About the Programme

This entry route is a non‑accredited pathway into policing designed for candidates with or without an undergraduate degree. No academic award is granted at the end of the programme. Training combines practical on‑the‑job experience, classroom sessions, scenario‑based training, virtual learning and assessments.

For the first 24 months, you will be a uniform police officer, rotating across different departments and specialisms, learning law, procedure and wide ranges of policing topics.

After completing uniformed training and passing the 2‑year probation, you’ll be posted to the Investigations strand where you will develop knowledge and skills as a detective. You will investigate serious criminal offences in areas such as safeguarding, intelligence and child protection, under a competent detective mentor. You will sit the National Investigators Exam (NIE) and, upon passing, undertake the detective portfolio/PIP2 courses before being recognised as a qualified detective.

Recruitment Process

Our process has a limited intake capacity. If you are not recruited for this intake, Merseyside Police may not open the entry route again until 2028. You may be asked to transfer to the Police Constable Entry Programme. Once you complete probation, you may also apply through the internal CID AIDES programme.

Required evidence: Level 2 Maths and English Language GCSEs (Grade C/4 and above) or equivalent Level 2 Functional Skills. International qualifications must be translated by UK ENIC.

Stages of Recruitment

• Initial sift (against criteria on Police Constable Entry Programme page)
• College of Policing National Sift
• College of Policing Online Assessment – most likely January/February for start dates 2026/2027
• In‑force interview assessing values, behaviours and expected standards of a Police Officer
• Pre‑employment checks – fitness test, medical, biometrics, vetting and references

Adjustments and Support

If you require reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process, let us know so we can provide the support you need.

For more information on the support offered by our Outreach team, please contact us.

Join Us

Be on the ground, investigate crime, and make a real difference to people’s lives. A detective career is challenging, unpredictable, but rewarding. Nothing beats being a Merseyside Police Detective.