Ready to make a difference in your communities?
Join Durham Constabulary – Become a Police Constable
Durham Constabulary is now welcoming applications to join our next intake of Police Constables. If you’re motivated by purpose, passionate about community, and ready for a career where no two days are the same, we want to hear from you.
We’re recruiting through:
- Police Constable Degree Apprenticeship (PCDA)
Candidates who are waiting for Level 3 results in August can apply, offer would be subject to received 112 UCAS points or above
Want to learn more before applying? Come to our VIRTUAL discovery event Tuesday 14th July 6pm – sign up here: PCDA Discovery Event Tuesday 14th July 6pm – Fill in form
Make a Difference Where It Matters
Policing is more than a job — it’s a chance to make a real and lasting difference.
As a frontline police officer, you’ll:
- Build trust and strong relationships across diverse communities
- Respond to incidents and protect those most in need
- Tackle crime and contribute to safer neighbourhoods
- Support victims and bring offenders to justice
Helping those vulnerable within our society
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We’re looking for people from all backgrounds, experiences, and walks of life. Whether you’re starting your career or looking for a new challenge, your unique perspective is valuable to us. We are committed to building a workforce that reflects the communities we serve.
This is a fast-paced and demanding role, but it’s also deeply rewarding. You’ll need resilience, empathy, and a commitment to public service.
Start your policing career while earning a degree. Make a difference from day one.
Are you looking for a challenging and rewarding career where you can make a real impact in your community? The Police Constable Degree Apprenticeship (PCDA) offers a unique opportunity to become a fully warranted police officer while gaining a recognised degree in Professional Practice in partnership with Northumbria University.
The Programme
The PCDA is a three-year paid apprenticeship combining practical, on-the-job policing with academic study.
However, Durham’s programme is unique in many ways, one of the main features is that all work towards the degree will be completed within 6 months of the third year of the programme. The degree is completely paid for through the apprenticeship levy and you will not incur any costs of the programme.
Which means you gain a FREE degree whilst getting paid.
You will work alongside experienced officers, gaining the skills, knowledge, and confidence required to respond to a wide range of incidents, while developing a strong academic understanding of modern policing.
What You Will Gain
- A fully funded degree in Professional Policing Practice within 2years and 6 months
- A starting salary from day one, with incremental progression
- Hands-on operational experience across a variety of policing areas
- Development of critical decision-making, problem-solving, and leadership skills
- Ongoing support from both force trainers and university lecturers
What We Are Looking For
We are seeking individuals who are:
- Committed to serving and protecting their communities
- Resilient, adaptable, and able to perform under pressure
- Strong communicators with a willingness to learn
Dedicated to upholding the highest standards of professionalism and integrity
These rewards include helping some of the most vulnerable people in our community to feel safe and secure. You will feel job satisfaction through robustly dealing with criminals and enforcing the law. You will work individually and as a team with your colleagues to gain justice and create a sense of unity within the community.
We have a competitive pension scheme, and you will have access to our discounts & wellbeing benefits.
We recognise that the job is fast-paced and demanding which is why we are proud to be a supportive well- being lead organisation, with help from our TRiM referral system to internal help from our Occupational Health & Welfare department, Counselling and our Senior Management Team.
We offer the opportunity for lateral moves, from Response to CID, Safeguarding, Firearms, Digital, Dogs, to promotion opportunities, Constable to Chief Constable.
Important:
This role includes shift work (including nights, weekends, and public holidays), as we provide a 24/7 service.
Salary & Benefits
- Starting salary: £31,164 – £50,256
- Plus 10% shift allowance for hours worked between 8pm–6am
- Ongoing training, development, and career progression opportunities
- Initial training and support on offer during probation
- After the 3 years’ probation you will receive a Degree, which has been achieved while & earning & learning to become a Police Officer. Durham Constabulary cover all Degree costs.
Eligibility – PCDA Route
To apply, you’ll need:
- Level 3 qualifications (e.g. 3 A Levels or equivalent)
- 112 UCAS points (or equivalent experience/training – see below)
- GCSEs (or equivalent) in Maths and English (Grade 4/C or above)
- A full UK manual driving licence
If your UCAS points are below 112 and are over 21, relevant professional experience may be considered. You will need to provide detailed evidence via an experiential learning form.
Check your UCAS points here:
We also encourage applications from candidates with international qualifications — guidance is available via Northumbria University.
Application Process
To apply, you must submit:
- Completed application form
- Relevant qualification certificates
- Proof of online assessment score (if applicable)
- Photos of tattoos (if applicable)
Send all documents in one email to: [email protected]
Incomplete applications cannot be progressed.
Recruitment Stages
- National online assessment (situational judgement + behaviours)
- Online assessment centre:
- Written and briefing exercises
- Final interview (at Police HQ)
Successful candidates will then complete:
Key Information
- Application deadline: Friday 31st July 2026 5pm.
- PCDA Discovery Event – Tuesday 14th July 6pm via TEAMs PCDA Discovery Event Tuesday 14th July 6pm – Fill in form
Inclusive Recruitment
We are committed to creating an inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued. We actively encourage applications from underrepresented groups and are dedicated to fair and accessible recruitment processes.
If you require adjustments at any stage, we will support you.
Questions?
Contact our recruitment team:
[email protected]
