Applications for new training programme invited from budding detectives

Northamptonshire Police is now inviting applications for its new Detective Constable Entry Programme, which offers new police recruits the opportunity to specialise as a detective immediately following their initial training. 

Since March 2021, the Force has offered a specialist degree level detective programme. Now, in line with national changes to police officer recruitment, it is opening up detective recruitment to anyone who can demonstrate the commitment and aptitude needed, whether or not they have a degree. 

The dedicated Detective Constable Entry Programme will help ensure the Force has the right number of detectives in the future. It will complement the existing internal detective selection process and transfer opportunities, and will allow new police recruits the opportunity to complete specialist investigative training in the third year of their training. 

The  programme welcomes both non-degree and degree holders. Successful applicants will first complete two years of foundation training, a blend of practical experience and classroom-based learning similar to the training that all police officer recruits receive. This will include a period of individual coached patrol and operational duties in uniform.  

Subject to successful completion of the foundation training, they will become trainee detective constables and complete specialist detective training in their third year.  

Detective Chief Inspector Jen Castle said: “The new Detective Constable Entry Programme is a really exciting development for policing and builds on the experience of our previous accelerated detective pathway.  

“We’ve already run six specialist detective programmes in the past three and a half years, and we’ve had some exceptional candidates who are now progressing well in their investigative careers. But that programme was only open to those already qualified to degree level. 

“What I’m delighted about with the new programme is that we can now open up recruitment to people who don’t have a degree, which widens the pool of talent that we can draw from.   

“Whether you already have significant work experience but never had the opportunity to study for a degree, or you’re just starting out in your career but didn’t feel that higher education was right for you, you could be just the person we’re looking for. 

“Policing, whichever route you take to join, is a challenging career, and we expect the highest standards of our police officers and detectives. We’ll be looking for applications from individuals who can demonstrate strong communication and decision-making skills, who are team players with leadership qualities, integrity and resilience. 

“We’ve developed a training programme that enables us to produce credible detectives who will help investigate some of the most serious and complex cases. If you think you have what it takes, please consider applying – we’d love to hear from you.” 

Anyone who would like more information or is interested in applying for the Detective Constable Entry Programme can find out more at http://www.northants.police.uk/detectives. 

*Minimum eligibility criteria apply to all entry routes – please visit www.northants.police.uk/careers for full details.