Police Constable Entry Programme (PCEP)

Change needs you, start a career like no other in London's Met

The Met is working hard to restore Londoners trust and confidence, reduce crime and maintain high standards. To do this we recognise the need to change. Whilst that change takes time, we want people like you to join and help to make a big difference.

We're looking for people who share our values of integrity, courage, accountability, respect and empathy to join the dedicated, honest, committed, hard-working officers and staff already in our team. Those who are committed to working hard to bring offenders to justice, protect vulnerable people and deliver the change needed for London and it's communities.

With your determination, we will help you reach your full potential as a Met police officer and be the best you can be for yourself, your community and London.

Police Constable Entry Programme (PCEP)

This two year programme provides new recruits with a blend of classroom based and operational learning. Your initial training will take place at a Met training centre before you join one of our policing teams to gain practical, on-the-job experience.

You will be regularly assessed on your knowledge, skills and behaviours but, unlike our other entry routes, you will not be required to complete an academic qualification as part of your training.

You will be employed as an officer from day one, making a difference to London's communities. You'll be fully supported throughout your two years. You'll be provided with a strong foundation in the law and policing knowledge as well as the practical policing experience to set you up to succeed.

Eligibility

We're looking for people from all backgrounds to join us, who share in our values and are committed to protecting Londoners.

See how you measure up against the eligibility criteria below.

Academic requirements:

You must hold a Level 2 qualification in English language at a GCSE grade C or above, or grades 4 to 9. We will also consider an English Language equivalent overseas qualification.

You must hold - or be working towards - two A Levels at grade E or above in any subject or a Level 3 qualification, including an International Baccalaureate Diploma or NVQ. We will also consider the equivalent overseas qualification.

Work experience:

If you don't hold a Level 3 academic qualification we also take work experience:

You must have at least 18 months of professional experience in a role that requires the following skills - leadership, decision making, risk assessment, specialist knowledge.

12 months service as a special constable having achieved independent patrol status.

12 months service as a police community support officer or designated detention officer having passed your probationary period.

24 months as a member of the Met's Volunteer Police Cadets.

Service in the Armed Forces, where you have completed the minimum term of service and have an exemplary reference.

Age:

If you are 17 when you submit your application, you will be able to progress through our recruitment process but you will not be able to start your training until you are 18.

Nationality:

If you're from outside the UK, it's essential that you have indefinite leave to enter or to remain in the UK.

Physical fitness:

You will need to pass our fitness test. If you do some form of regular exercise you should have no issue meeting that requirement. You must also meet the police eyesight standards agreed by the College of Policing.

Tattoos:

Some tattoos will stop you working for the Met depending on what they depict and where on your body they are.

Criminal conviction/caution:

If you do have any criminal convictions or cautions on record you can still apply, eligibility will depend on the age and nature of the offence.

Membership of groups or organisations:

You will not be able to join the Met if you are a member of a group and/or organisation that contradicts our values or ethics and our commitment to inclusion.

Apply now to start your Met career

Disability Confident Statement

The Met is committed to being an equitable (fair and impartial) and inclusive employer for disabled people, striving to have a diverse and representative workforce at all levels. We encourage applications from people from the widest possible range of backgrounds, cultures and experiences. We particularly welcome applications from people with disabilities and long-term conditions, ethnic minority groups and women.

As a Disability Confident employer, the Met has committed to making disability equality part of our everyday practice. We ensure that people with disabilities and those with long term conditions have the opportunities to fulfil their potential and realise their aspirations.

The Met is committed to making reasonable adjustments to the recruitment process to ensure disabled applicants can perform at their best. If you need any reasonable adjustments or changes to the application and recruitment process, we ask that you include this information within your application form. All matters will be treated in strict confidence.

Please note, if you are applying for a police officer role or to become a police community support officer (PCSO) or designated detention officer (DDO), there is a minimum requirement that you must pass a job-related fitness test (JRFT) at point of entry. This does not apply to police staff roles. Find out more about police fitness standards .

Read our full disability confidence statement.