HIOWC recruits new Police Constables through the Police Constable Entry Programme (PCEP). The route includes four selection stages, followed by pre-appointment checks and initial police training.
Joining Hampshire & Isle of Wight Constabulary
HIOWC recruits new Police Constables through the Police Constable Entry Programme (PCEP). Recruitment publishes the entry requirements, assessment arrangements, essential criteria and closing date for each approved intake. You can review the current opportunities and apply through Vacancies.
Police Constable selection stages
- 1. National application and eligibilityComplete the national Police Constable application form for the advertised intake. Recruitment assesses the published eligibility requirements and records your application against the relevant campaign.
- 2. Online siftComplete the HIOWC in-force online sift. Recruitment may recognise a valid College National Sift result where current national guidance permits. The sift is a required stage of ordinary Police Constable recruitment.
- 3. College online assessmentComplete the College of Policing online assessment process. It comprises a competency-based interview, a written exercise and a briefing exercise. Recruitment provides instructions for the assessment and records the competent result.
- 4. HIOWC force interviewAttend a face-to-face interview with HIOWC. The interview panel assesses the published selection criteria, records its decision and confirms the outcome through Recruitment.
Conditional offer and appointment checks
Successful candidates progress to the appointment checks required for their role. These may include vetting, identity and eligibility verification, references, qualifications and relevant medical or fitness assessments. The HIOWC Vetting Authority makes vetting decisions; Occupational Health handles clinical information. Recruitment coordinates the process and explains any outstanding conditions.
Appointment and initial training
Once the appointment requirements have been met and the competent authority confirms the appointment, new Police Constables enter the PCEP. HIOWC provides the initial learning, supervised development and posting information relevant to the appointment.
Support throughout recruitment
Recruitment considers reasonable adjustments at each assessment stage. You can request the practical support you need through Application Help and communicate with Recruitment using the contact routes provided for your application.
Your application
Use Your applications to follow your recruitment stage, see available messages and complete any actions issued to you.