Do you want to become a detective?

Becoming a detective has become easier with the launch of an entry route, allowing applicants to join a structured two-year programme to become a detective constable.

A recruitment campaign asking people if ‘This could be your first major breakthrough’ is aimed at showing people what is involved in becoming a detective and has been launched to coincide with the opening of the application process.

The detective pathway which is open to anyone with a minimum of a 2:2 degree, or higher, in any subject, is aiming to ensure the force has the right number of detectives in the future.

Traditionally, the path to becoming a detective would see entrants join as a uniformed police officer before specialising later on. However, the force is now giving people, with the appropriate transferable skills, the knowledge and the experience, the chance to work alongside fellow detectives within months of joining.

Northamptonshire Police has a strong commitment to equality and diversity, striving to employ a workforce that reflects the diverse communities it serves. The force is especially keen to receive applications from minority communities, from women and from the LGBTQ community.

Detective Chief Superintendent Paul Rymarz, Head of Crime and Justice, said: “This is an exciting time to join Northamptonshire Police, and this pathway gives people an extraordinary opportunity to start a career that will change their lives and the lives of others.

“I want to be clear though, we expect the highest standards of our detectives and will therefore be looking for people who can demonstrate strong communication and decision-making skills. We’ll be looking for team players with leadership qualities, integrity and resilience.

“Last year was the first time we opened this route, and it has proven to be a massive success. We had candidates from all walks of life and ages. Crucially, over 50 per cent of the applications were from women, showing a real positive change in attitudes towards a policing career.”

This initiative will complement the internal detective selection processes, as well as opportunities for officers from other forces to transfer, and aims to bring rapid support to investigators working in challenging fields.

Those joining this rigorous programme will initially go through a written application and assessment centre. Applicants successful at final interview will undergo a medical assessment, fitness test and security check before a job offer will be made.

As a trainee detective constable, individuals will start a two-year probationary period. Initially being equipped with the knowledge and skills required of all police officers – like officer safety training, understanding key powers and procedures and making arrests.

This period will include being tutored and going out on patrol with a tutor constable, before eventually going out on independent patrol. Individuals will then move to the Criminal Investigation Department (CID). In this investigative environment, trainees will work towards Accredited Detective Status.

They will be required to complete and pass the National Investigators Exam and Detective Training Course.

To find out more or to apply, visit www.northants.police.uk/detectives  

 

The vacancy closes on Sunday, November 14, 2021.