Direct entry

This scheme, run by the College of Policing, enables those outside of the police to join a training programme and enter the force at a higher rank from the start. Designed for new entrants or those coming back to policing after a significant break, the aim of the programme is to recruit high-quality professionals from a variety of sectors outside of policing.

Direct Entry enables us to benefit from the talents of a wide range of people who already have managerial experience to bring new ideas, diverse work experience and the valuable skills needed to help us meet the demands of the future.

When we have opportunities to join us through Direct Entry, this will be advertised on the College of Policing’s website.

You can also find out what ranks you can enter at, which forces are recruiting, eligibility information, frequently asked questions, and submit an application. However below we have provided some additional information which may help you if you are applying to join the scheme and wish to work for Leicestershire Police.

Training and support

The programme is designed to attract highly talented applicants from outside the police service and equip them with the operational competence and strategic understanding required for the role of inspector.

You will undertake rotations at the ranks of constable, sergeant and finally inspector before completing the programme.

You will be given everything you need to progress and shown how to put that learning into practice. Each candidate is supported with:

• mentors
• tailored personal development plans
• exceptional training delivered by experienced police officers and outstanding subject matter experts
• on-the-job training with personal coaching and supervision

Eligibility

Candidates will be expected to demonstrate collective and adaptive leadership qualities, humility, innovative ideas and the ability to work in partnership with key stakeholders. You will also be required to meet the standard police officer eligibility criteria as follows:

• be at least 18 years of age
• be a UK Citizen, European Union Citizen with EU Settled Status, a Commonwealth Citizen or Foreign National with no restrictions on your stay in the United Kingdom.
• Whether or not you were born in the United Kingdom, you should have lived here for the three years immediately prior to submitting your application.
• have a full manual UK or EEA driving licence before receiving a formal offer of appointment or obtain it during the recruitment process
• have two full A levels, grade A-E, or equivalent, or higher. Your application will be rejected if your highest qualification is lower than two full A levels or their equivalent.
• not have served any period of imprisonment or youth detention
• be in good health, of sound constitution and able to physically and mentally perform the duties of a police officer once appointed
• not have piercings or tattoos which could cause offence
• not have applied unsuccessfully within the last 6 months

The Application and Selection Process

Applications are centrally collated by the College of Policing and then shared with Leicestershire Police.

Leicestershire Police conduct a selection process based upon the Competency and Values Framework (CVF). The selection process will consist of a shortlisting exercise and interview. Candidates successful at interview stage will then attend the College of Policing’s National Assessment Centre.

Should more candidates pass the Assessment Centre than there are places available in Leicestershire Police, the highest performing candidates shall be selected. This will be done using the scoring outputs from the interview and Assessment Centre.

Leicestershire Police is an organisation which values its people and we are committed to creating a diverse workforce to ensure we are representative of the communities that we serve.

We aim to be the best and we want to attract the best. If you are dedicated, hardworking, have vision and the drive to succeed, then you could be the right person to join us.

Our people are creative, skilled and come from a variety of backgrounds. Our mixture of staff makes us what we are.