BSc (Hons) - Police Constable Degree Apprenticeship (PCDA)

Year one

The initial training consists of a 15 week classroom delivery which provides student police officers with the knowledge and practical skills to enable them to patrol operationally and includes the role of a constable, powers and procedures, decision making, conflict management, first aid, radio skills and basic report writing. Student officers will be posted to a police station where they will work alongside experienced officers in gaining knowledge and confidence to patrol independently.

This posting provides exposure to a range of operational incidents where you will be encouraged to take the lead, make decisions and take action including making arrests, comforting victims or searching for missing people amongst other things. Alongside this the degree programme will encourage reflective practice together with the application of theory learnt through workbook material and masterclasses. Regular assessments will explore knowledge and understanding of topic areas.

• Introduction to Policing
  History of the Police, policing by consent, human rights, core principles of ethics and behaviour.
• Operational Policing
  Legislation, powers and procedures, investigations and reflective practice
• Studying Criminology
  Understanding criminology concepts, behaviours, procedural justice, problem solving and evidence based policing.
• Community Policing
  Community Policing, concept of problem solving, partnership working and benefits of intelligence.
• Vulnerability
  Offending and victimisation, national projects for those at risk, review of case studies and lessons learnt.
• Reflective Practice Based Learning
  Importance of self evaluation, self improvement and reflective practice. Decision making and communication.

Year two

Year two develops competence and confidence in the role of Constable as you will be patrolling independently. The academic modules explore key topic areas in greater depth and seek to expand your critical thinking and overall application of theory and practice.
Experience in the operational field will support your wider reading and further develop your knowledge of policing. The report writing encourages evaluation and analysis across all areas of policing both locally and nationally.

Mid way through the second year you will be introduced to the concept of research. How to chose a title to explore in detail, linking in literature, statistical analysis and presenting your findings. On the operational side you will be expected to develop your knowledge and experience in key areas and must demonstrate competency as an effective front line police officer.

• Community Policing
  Evaluation of policing activities, process of intelligence gathering and terrorism.
• Policing
  Professional standards and community confidence.
• Operational Policing
  Challenges of Operational Policing & the criminal justice system.
• Studying Criminology
  Introduction to research.
• Vulnerability
  Multi-agency working, repeat victimisation, theories and practices associated with vulnerability.
• Reflective Practice Based Learning
  Self reflection, decision making and communication skills at police related incidents.

Year three

The final year sees further practical development as student officers focus on a specific area of policing. The benefits of coaching and mentoring in the workplace are also explored as new recruits join the police and you may be called upon to mentor them yourself.

The final degree requirement is that of a research project where student officers build on their year 2 introduction to research and analyse data through a range of sources in response to a question posed.This encourages wider analytical skills, the review of existing literature on the associated topic, reflection and review together with the presentation of findings.

Confirmation in the role of Constable is achieved when all aspects of the operational policing requirements have been met together with successful completion of the academic assessments.

• Coaching and Mentoring
  Benefits of coaching and mentoring in the workplace.
• Specialism
  Focus on a specific area of policing.
• Specialist Procedures
  Focus on a specific area of policing.
• End Point Assessment (EPA)
  Review of practical competence, research project of choice and confirmation of appointment as a Constable.