Police Constable

The apprentice adopts an operational role by being assigned to a policing district and joining a shift. They are guided and supported by a tutor constable/workplace tutor, during which real life practical policing issues are encountered and dealt with.

PC Apprentices complete workplace competencies incorporating reflective practice, to assist them to identify their developmental learning, and to contribute to the demonstration of achievement of Independent Patrol Status

This module lays the foundations to the course, explaining the role of the police constable and the professionalisation of the service. It examines the legislation and codes which are necessary in the day to day role of a police officer. Apprentices are also introduced to policing through personal safety training, radio procedures and etiquette.

Apprentices understand how to engage in lawful, safe and effective front-line policing in the specific professional areas of response policing, policing communities, policing the roads, information and intelligence, and conducting investigations. Module content regarding community policing includes ways of engaging and communicating with the community to solve policing problems (such as anti-social behaviour) and maximise social cohesion.

The apprentice gains knowledge and information relating to a number of areas within policing, that impact on them in their operational duties and throughout their career. Managing conflict, understanding vulnerability and risk, public protection, case management, preparation for court and developing an investigative mindset, are covered throughout the module.

Apprentices experience an initial period of three weeks classroom-based study prior to entering the workplace for their final deployment in a core policing role. Classroom study develops their existing knowledge, specifically in the areas of managing conflict, criminal justice, digital policing, counter terrorism, roads policing, information and intelligence and conducting investigations.

Workplace deployment is in one of the five core policing areas of roads policing, intelligence, investigations, community policing or response policing.

Apprentices are introduced to the concept of policing vulnerability. They examine the nature, context, theories, models and complexities of policing and multi-agency practices relating to vulnerability and public protection, more broadly. They can see how the concept of 'vulnerability' has been developed and the changes that have occurred for the police service and public services, more generally.

Apprentices consider the role of professional standards within professional organisations and the role of independent bodies such as IOPC and HMICFRS. They examine the development of policies and procedures designed to reduce police malpractice and increase public confidence. They explore examples of abuse of power or authority and other forms of police misconduct.

This module includes a two-week taught component covering the topics of well-being and resilience, leadership and team-working and criminology and crime prevention.

There is also a six week workplace deployment in a specialist area of policing, including two days personal safety training.

Apprentices are introduced to research methodologies relating to applied workplace research in police and policing, and to the concept of evidence-based policing in policing.

They explore the key features of the research process, linking theory and research with police practice. They are introduced to the concept of small-scale workplace research focused upon the effective design, delivery and application of such research in policing contexts and workplace.

The apprentice explores topics that have been introduced in previous modules, consolidating knowledge and approaching them from a more strategic perspective.

They also revisit and update previous learning to ensure the knowledge is embedded prior to workplace deployments.

Enhanced Policing Practice combines academic study with practical workplace experience. As a result, the assessment consists of a final workplace portfolio. The apprentice completes the Occupational Competence Portfolio in readiness for entry to the course End Point Assessment.

The apprentice focuses on the practical application of problem solving to support evidence based, workplace research in the policing environment. They are expected to identify, from their workplace, an emerging issue or problem in a specific policing area suitable for a small-scale research project.

This is a one week module in a classroom setting, where apprentices work face to face with police training staff and academic staff developing their knowledge relating to leadership, team-working, coaching and mentoring.