Police Officer Graduate Programme

Police Officer Graduate Programme

Join Hampshire & Isle of Wight Constabulary and start a career that truly matters

Why Join Us?

Do you want a job that makes a real difference — both in people’s lives and your own? Become a Police Officer with Hampshire & Isle of Wight Constabulary, and you’ll get an exciting, varied role where you help create safer communities. Whether you’re finishing university, have just graduated, or are thinking about your first career move — this could be for you.

You can apply via our Policing Plus or Policing Plus Graduate pathways, where you’ll receive a nationally recognised foundation degree-level qualification as part of your training — at no extra cost.

Alternatively, you can choose the Police Constable Degree Apprenticeship (PCDA) pathway, which combines practical on‑the‑job learning with academic study, and leads to a full Degree in Professional Policing Practice.

Be part of a forward-thinking force on the front line — preventing crime, protecting people, and making an impact.

What You’ll Do

No two days are the same as a Police Officer. Some of your duties will include:

• Responding to emergencies where your decisions and actions matter
• Investigating crimes: arresting suspects, taking statements, gathering evidence
• Building relationships in local communities to help solve issues
• Tackling new challenges like cybercrime, fraud, and organised crime

Career Progression & Variety

You’ll start as a uniform Police Constable and build your core skills during your probation period. From there, many paths open up:

• Become a Detective Constable, working on serious investigations
• Join specialist units such as counter-terrorism, public protection, cybercrime
• Gain extra skills — like response driving, becoming an Armed Response Officer, or Crisis Negotiator
• Move into leadership roles or take secondments on national or international projects

We’ll support you to find what you enjoy and help you develop in that direction.

Training & Ongoing Support

We invest in your development from day one:

• 18‑week initial training to build your knowledge and confidence
• Mentors and hands-on frontline experience from experienced officers
• Ongoing professional development throughout your career

About the Level 5 Diploma in Professional Policing

• Awarded to officers entering via the Policing Plus route
• No extra coursework or exams — it’s assessed through your work
• Fully aligned with progression to Independent Patrol Status (IPS) and Full Operational Competency (FOC)
• Equivalent to the second year of a bachelor’s degree, and free to you

Salary & Benefits

We value your commitment and wellbeing. Here’s what you can expect:

• Starting salary: £33,164 (includes a £2,000 South East allowance), rising to over £50,000 after 7 years
• Pension scheme: financial security for the future
• Discounts & perks: retail, food, and leisure offers via Blue Light Card and Hampshire Police Leisure & Sports
• Wellbeing support: physiotherapy, occupational health, employee assistance programmes
• Work-life balance: on‑site gyms, flexible career paths, support across different roles

Positive Action & Diversity

Diversity strengthens policing. We welcome applications from everyone, regardless of background, and we have a Positive Action Team ready to support you.

Your Future Starts Here

When you join, you’ll begin as a uniform Police Constable during your probation period — a time to learn the core skills. If your goal is to become a detective later, we’ll back you from day one — just let us know on your application so we can tailor support.

You don’t need to decide now which route is right for you — we offer three entry pathways:

• Policing Plus (2‑year programme) — no degree required
• Policing Plus Graduate (2‑year programme) — degree required
• PCDA (3‑year degree apprenticeship) — GCSEs in Maths & English (or Level 2 functional skills)

Whichever route you pick, once probation is complete, you can follow the detective pathway too.

How to apply

To apply for this role and to find out more, please click on the apply button. Please note that applications may close before the application deadline, so apply early to avoid disappointment.