Can You Join The Police Without A Degree

Law Enforcement Degrees & Training

I Am A Serving Officer In Another Uk Police Force And I Have Not Completed A Two

All applications are considered on their individual merits. If you have previously served in a UK police force but did not complete your probationary period, you must submit a full account of your reasons for this with your application. The same applies for any probationary officer currently serving in another force. You must demonstrate exceptional and compelling reasons for your application to be allowed to proceed via the New Recruit process.

What Is The Evidence For Qualifications At This Level Being Useful

One of the few national qualifications currently available to Police Constables, the largest group in the Police Service workforce, is set at Level 3. The College of Policing has examined the qualification levels alongside its recent analysis and reviews and together with stakeholders, has reached the view that Level 6 is an appropriate reflection of the skills, knowledge and behaviours needed by police officers to equip them to deal with complex modern day policing challenges.

Read Also: How To Get Police Job

What College / A

You can complete any college / A-level subjects as long as they are at Level 3.

The starting salary for the Police Constable Degree Apprenticeship is £21,654.

The starting salary for the Degree Holder Entry Programme is £24,780.

On completion of either course the salary will increase to £27,030. This will be after two years for Degree Holder Entry Programme and after three years for Police Constable Degree Apprenticeship.

This is the same as the current starting salary for Police Officers.

What Other Courses Do You Need To Complete To Become A Police Officer

Because there are different routes into the Police, the steps that you should take after graduating will vary. If you have a degree, you can do a Graduate Diploma in Professional Policing Practice while working as an officer. There are also a number of different steps that you will have to go through in order to get on to any training course or start any job working for the Police. These include: fitness and medical tests, as well as written assessments and interviews.

Recommended Reading: How Can I Lookup A Police Report

Customs And Immigration Enforcement Officer

The customs and immigration officers are responsible for enforcing federal immigration laws. Their duty is to protect the homeland from a foreign threat. The employer of these officers is immigration customs enforcement , which is the primary agency for ensuring the homelands safety and security.

The good news is that the entry-level and lower rank positions do not require you to have a college degree, and for promotion to the higher ranks, you can continue your education while working at this position.

The customs immigration officers have two responsibilities the first one is to ensure that the USAs borders are intact and safe so that no illegal immigrant can enter the homeland. The second aspect of their job is to provide the custom laws and regulate the trade that is taking place through the border.

The average annual salary of a customs and immigration enforcement officer is $ 40,000

How To Earn As Much As Possible Without A Degree

Your income-earning potential is tied to one thing: your ability to forge ahead with a can-do attitude, refusing to let anyone or anything including not attending a four-year college get in your way.

Work on honing your skills, gaining solid work experience, and creating a solid network to help bolster your career competitiveness. Know your worth so you can move up to the next level in your job by asking for a promotion or move on to the next job on your career path when the time is right. When it comes to being qualified for the highest-paying job in your field, employers are concerned with the value you can bring to the table. The more value you bring, the more valuable youll become to your employer and the higher the salary youll command.

As long as you keep learning and improving, youll reach your true earning potential.

Don’t Miss: How To Find Police Car Auctions

Can I Remain Or Become A Member Of A Trade Union Once I Have Been Appointed

Under normal circumstances no member of the MDP is permitted to remain, or become, a member of any Trade Union or similar association or society other than an association formed within the MDP, with rules approved by or on behalf of the Defence Council. However, if you are already a member of a Trade Union, or similar association or society, you may exceptionally, with the consent of the Chief Constable, continue to be a member of that organisation in order to receive any benefits to which you are entitled.

The recognised body within the MDP, that has collective bargaining rights, is the Defence Police Federation . Further details on membership can be obtained from the DPF website.

Considering A Degree Later In Your Career

Though college may not be immediately available or the right thing for you right now, there’s nothing to say you can’t consider earning either a degree in criminal justice or a bachelor’s in criminology in the future.

In fact, after several years of relevant work experience, you may find that you are better able to excel academically and thus decide to go on and earn a master’s degree. Regardless of where your path takes you, though, be sure to take advantage of all of the opportunities available within this exciting career field.

Read Also: Where Do I Find Police Reports

Best Jobs Without A Degree In 2022

If youre on the lookout for a new job that pays well, your timing could not be better. According to U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics figures, the job market is bouncing back there were 11 million job openings across the country in late 2021 and all indications point to a rise in opportunities for people with varying levels of experience, skills, and educational credentials in 2022.

Dont have a degree? Dont worry. There are plenty of well-paying jobs you can land without a four-year degree or community college experience. The best part is that instead of spending years paying off debt like student loans, you can leverage your earnings to create real wealth.

This article provides insights into some of the best opportunities for a job seeker who doesnt have a college degree. It also sets forth valuable information regarding how you can manage that extra income so you create your Rich Life filled with freedom and enjoyment.

Become A Police Officer Without A College Degree

Can you become a police officer without a college degree?

I get asked this question all the time via email and while on patrol. The answer is is YES you can become a cop without a college degree.

Can a college degree help you get the nod over the guy who doesnt have one. I guess the answer is yes and no depending on the agency.

Degree or not, you will still have to be able to pass all the steps in the hiring process. Ive seen educated people with 4-year degrees fail the oral board exam. On the other hand, Ive seen someone with just a high school diploma ace the the police oral board because of proper preparation.

Watch the video below for a quick overview on how to become a police officer without a college degree.

Although I have a college degree in criminal justice and psychology, I know I didnt get the job just because I had a college degree.

With that being said, I wouldnt totally disregard getting a college degree as there are some major advantages that come with it. Plus, some departments are now requiring you at least have an associate degree before you can apply. If you are not college material and some people are just not, I would enroll in the military and become an MP. Then, later apply to the department of your choice.

Heres how a college degree can help you

Also Check: How To Find Public Police Reports

What Gcses Do You Need To Become A Police Officer

In order to become a Police Officer, you will need a minimum of 5 GCSEs at pass grades and above. These should include English Language, Maths, and Science as a baseline. However, you may find it useful to have GCSEs in a Modern Foreign Language or P.E., as these could contribute to the skillset that you will need as a Police Officer.

What Does A Police Officer Do

In the simplest sense, police officers enforce laws and protect life and property. But of course, there is much more to it than that. Heres how it breaks down:

Policeofficers are sworn to protect and serve the communities in which they live andwork. They enforce laws, obtain warrants, arrest and interview suspects, securecrime and accident scenes, write detailed reports and testify in court, amongother duties. Officers often respond to emergency calls, working shifts thatoperate around the clock.

The specific duties of a police officer will be numerous and diverse. Based on appointment, length of service and training, they may work with a K-9 unit responding to suspicions of drugs or dangerous weapons in vehicles and other property. Or, they might take a role on the SWAT team where they need to know tactics and procedures for working under dangerous conditions. Much of their daily routine will involve patrolling a certain area, such as a portion of a town or city. As they move up the ranks, they may investigate crimes ranging from petty theft to murder.

Recommended Reading: Can Police Use Drones For Surveillance

Police Constable Degree Apprenticeship

The basics

• is a three-year programme
• is funded primarily through the apprenticeship levy
• is delivered by a police force in collaboration with a higher education provider
• provides an opportunity to specialise in one of the core areas of policing
• gives the individual a degree in professional policing practice

Educationally, individuals will need:

• two A levels or an equivalent level 3 qualification, as defined in the Education and Skills Act 2008

Key aspects of the PCDA programme

The PCDA is subject to policies and guidelines by the Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education and Skills Funding Agency and Estyn . These include:

• a requirement to achieve level 2 English and maths, before or during the programme
• a minimum level of off-to-job/protected learning time for the duration of the programme
• completion of an evidence-based research project

The evidence-based research project forms part of the final summative assessment, known as the end-point assessment. These projects should be rooted within force business needs for example, in key priority areas and afford forces the opportunity to investigate specific problems.

The project outcomes, once assessed and deemed to be of sufficiently high quality, can be shared via the College academic support network and What Works Centre. This enables other forces to benefit from and build upon the research.

Join Us And Make A Difference To Your Community

A career with South Yorkshire Police is the chance for you to take on a challenge that will change lives. Whether youre a school-leaver, a graduate or searching for new opportunities, we welcome applications from all backgrounds and communities. There are three different entry routes as part of our Policing Education Qualifications Framework , which you can take to join the police.

If you dont have a degree:

You can earn as you learn, and complete the Police Constable Degree Apprenticeship . Over three years youll combine on-the-job learning and academic theory to become to a police constable with a degree in Professional Policing Practice. Applications are now open to join us on the Police Constable Degree Apprenticeship

If you already have a degree:

The Degree Holder Entry Programme combines a work-based programmed and off-the-job learning as you spend two years being a police officer and probationer. After completion, youll achieve a graduate diploma in Professional Policing Practice.

South Yorkshire Police offers two DHEP courses – one for those who want to be a Police Constable and one for those who want to be a Detective.

If you want to study first:

You can undertake a three-year degree in Professional Policing at your own expense and then apply to become a police officer. During your course, there may be an option for you to join as a special constable.

Recommended Reading: How To Shine Police Boots

Entry Routes For Police Constables

There are currently three main routes into the service if you wish to join as a new PC. These are:

• the police constable degree apprenticeship

• a degree in professional policing

• the degree-holder entry programme

Some forces also still offer the traditional entry route.

Which route you follow will depend on what your chosen force offers and whether you already have a degree.

The three main entry routes are founded on effective work performance with academic achievement. They cover areas that are critical to effective policing in the 21st century, such as evidence-based policing, supporting vulnerable people, dealing with cybercrime and crime prevention.

Forces may offer the different routes at different times of the year, so you should check with your chosen force as to which entry routes they have available.

Will Being A Member Of The Territorial Army Or Volunteer Reserve Forces Affect My Application Or Career With The Mdp

Individuals who have reserve responsibilities are not prevented from applying to join us. However, once serving, there are a number of posts where it has not been deemed appropriate to have reserve responsibilities due to the nature of the role. These include the Special Escort Group, Operational Support Unit, Tactical Firearms Unit and Nuclear Guard Force. Officers in the Force who have reserve responsibilities are therefore not eligible to apply for posts within these specialisms.

Also Check: What Brand Breathalyzer Do Police Use

If You Already Have A Degree Degree

If you already have an undergraduate degree in any subject, you can join and follow a work-based programme, supported by off-the-job learning. This route normally takes two years, and the learning you have undergone is recognised in a graduate diploma in professional policing practice when you complete your probation.

The length of time on probation is reduced on this programme because you do not need to complete another degree.

How do I apply?

You can apply directly through your local force. Find your local force.

How To Become A Police Officer Without A Degree

Related

• Firefighter Career Day Ideas

The lack of a college degree will not be an insurmountable road block for someone interested in becoming a police officer. Many law enforcement agencies hire applicants with a high school diploma or its equivalent, provided he meets other minimal qualifications set by the state and local police department. When applying for job as a police officer, selectively highlight your unique set of skills, experiences and personal attributes, which demonstrate that you are a highly desirable candidate, even without a degree. Prior experience in the military or a protective service job is also important to describe.

Recommended Reading: How Can You Find A Police Report Online

Associate Degree In Law Enforcement

An associate degree in law enforcement prepares graduates for police careers by providing the information necessary to pass police academy entrance exams. The associate degree usually takes two years to complete, is a well-rounded degree with general education courses mixed in, and serves as a stepping stone to the bachelors degree. Because each associate degree program will be tailored to the requirements of the local and regional law enforcement departments, curriculums will vary. However, some of the classes incoming students can expect include:

Crime Types

Required: Other Aspects Of Your Application To The Police

During your application to a Police Force, you will have to go through extensive background checks. If you have lived outside of the UK for any period of time, these may take longer than usual, but it does not mean that you wont be able to join!

You will also have medical and fitness tests to complete. The fitness test is not intended to scare you off, but is there to make sure that you are physically fit enough to be able to do your job as a Police Officer effectively. If you fail the first time, there is no need to worry, as you will be able to retake it up to 3 times. However, if you dont manage to pass it the 3rd time, you will have to wait 6 months to be able to reapply to any Police Force again.

You will also be required to complete components such as a written assessment, which tests your basic English comprehension and writing, verbal reasoning, and maths skills. This is likely to be accompanied by an interview.

There are courses which are available to help you prepare for these components, and one example can be found here. Make sure that you do your preparation for these tests, so that you feel comfortable during your application process, and are able to put yourself in the best position for success possible.

Read Also: Where Is A Police Academy