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Detective

For every victim, justice served, life changed

Investigate serious crime, protect victims, and bring offenders to justice as a Police Detective.

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About the role of a police detective

Detective

A detective’s work is driven by determination, sharp instincts, and a commitment to justice. 

Whether investigating fraud, violence, or organised crime, Police Now detectives approach each new problem with fresh ideas and a meticulous attention to detail.

In this role, you'll:

  • Protect the most vulnerable: From victims of domestic abuse to children at risk of exploitation, detectives are the first line of defence for victims of crime.
  • Be there when no one else can help: Whether responding to serious incidents or reopening cold cases, detectives fight for justice.
  • Connect the dots: Every case tells a story. Detectives use intelligence, forensic evidence, and witness testimony to build the full picture.
Detective
  • Pay attention to detail:  The smallest clues can solve the biggest cases. Analytical thinking is key.
  • Build trust with victims: Detectives support victims through difficult times, making sure they feel heard, protected, and empowered.
  • Collaborate across agencies: Working alongside social workers, forensic specialists, and prosecutors, and other agencies, detectives turn evidence into convictions.
  • Bring offenders to justice: Every case solved makes communities safer and stronger.
1000 +

detectives recruited since the programme’s launch.

67 %

of participants identify as female, ensuring diverse representation in investigative policing.

75 %

first-time pass rate for the National Investigators’ Exam (compared to 60% nationally).

For every case. For every victim.

Every crime has a story. Every detective seeks to uncover the truth.

Detectives bring closure to victims, hold criminals accountable, and build safer communities.

Every crime has a story.

It's your job

to uncover it.

You Already Have the Skills

to Make an Impact

Your experiences, whether from university, part-time jobs, volunteering, or team activities, have already shaped skills that could make you a great neighbourhood police officer. Bring them to a role where you’ll prevent crime, support communities, and build trust every day.

Leadership

Detectives take ownership of cases, guide teams, and drive investigations forward.

Resilience

Handling high-pressure investigations and complex cases requires mental toughness.

Analytical thinking

Spotting patterns, connecting evidence, and making critical deductions is key.

Communication

Detectives interview witnesses, present findings, and write reports with clarity.

Empathy

Supporting victims and understanding human behaviour strengthens investigations.

Attention to detail

The smallest clue can unravel a major case. 

Adaptability

No two cases are the same. Detectives think fast and can respond under pressure.

Problem-solving

Finding creative solutions to complex criminal investigations is a daily challenge.

Is the programme right for you?

You’ve got the skills to change communities for the better.
Here’s more on what you’ll need to secure a place on our programme.

Are you eligible?

Do you meet the basic requirements? Check our full criteria before you apply.

  • Over 17 years of age
  • UK resident for at least 3 years*
  • Indefinite leave to remain or settled status*
  • 2:2 or above university degree
  • Full UK driving license*
Check full eligibility
What we look for

Do you have a unique set of skills useful in policing? Of course you do!

  • You take ownership
  • You’re emotionally aware
  • You collaborate
  • You support and inspire
  • You analyse critically
Your natural talents

*Dependent on force

A day in the life

Each day on the detective specialism of Police Now’s National Graduate programme offers challenging yet rewarding opportunities.
Discover how participants work on cases, investigate crimes, and create a lasting impact in their communities.

A day in the life of a participant during the training academy.

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Police Now graduate

A day in the life of a detective in the Immersion period of the programme.

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Police Now graduate

A day in the life of a detective while on rotation during the programme.

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Police Now graduate

Moving through the ranks

Alumni Impact Award Winner

“My priority was to support and secure justice for a young woman who had gone through the most traumatic event of her life.”

Read Georgia’s story

From teacher to detective sergeant

I joined Police Now’s Detective programme as a Detective Constable, and I have recently moved into the Fraud and Cyber Crime team as a Detective Sergeant.

Read Kenny’s story

From trainee to Officer of the Year

Caroline joined South Yorkshire Police as a Detective Constable and was nominated for Student Officer of the Year for her proactive policing work and dedication to tackling Violence Against Women and Girls.

Read Caroline’s story

Making an impact in communities

Police Now detective who brought a sex offender to justice

Caroline, Police Now graduate

Read Caroline's story

”I really made a difference in that little girl’s life”

Kathryn, Police Now graduate

Watch Kathryn talk about the impact she's had

“Being able to make an impact in the area of counterfeiting goods whilst training on Police Now’s programme has been a real privilege.”

Blaine, Police Now graduate

Watch about the impact Blaine has had

What to expect on our programme

Programme details may evolve, as we review and refine each cohort to stay innovative and impactful.

Kickstart your career

Applications open in

Days

Our application is easy and only takes minutes on a mobile. Get ready, get set, and join us. Change the story.

Register your interest
Times Top 100 Graduate Employers 2024

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© Police Now . Police Now is a registered charity (1168427) in England & Wales

A Day in the Life - Training Academy

Morning routine

After waking up and having breakfast with other participants, I take the time to review some of my notes from previous sessions to refresh my knowledge before the day’s training begins.

Managing public protection incidents session

The day begins with a session focused on managing public protection incidents. These incidents involve cases where individuals are at risk of harm, and we learned how to respond to high-risk incidents, assess immediate risk and safeguard victims.

Crime scene management activity

For the rest of the morning, I took part in a practical crime scene exercise with other participants on the programme. We worked through multiple crime scene scenarios and had to identify, label and collect evidence to learn how to properly document evidence while preserving forensic integrity.

Lunch

Interviewing suspects session

After lunch, we had a session covering the key techniques for interviewing suspects, including how to structure interviews and build rapport to ensure we gain key skills on conducting ethical interviews in the correct manner.

Introduction to problem solving session

In this session, I learned how crucial problem-solving skills are for detectives to help develop effective investigative strategies.

National investigators’ exam revision

My day wrapped up with revision for the National Investigators’ Exam (NIE), by spending time consolidating NIE content that was covered in previous lessons.

Wellbeing and fitness

I decided to use the on-site gym in the evening with a few participants to ensure I am maintaining my physical fitness, while also bonding with others on the programme outside of training sessions.

 

 

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Name Here, Police Now graduate

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A Day in the Life - Immersion Period

Arriving at the station

When I arrived at the station in the afternoon, I quickly got into my uniform and prepared for my night shift. Being ready for any response or incident is essential.

Team Briefing

I attended the daily briefing with my team where we received updates on ongoing cases and any incidents we may need to respond to.

Patrolling the community

To support achieving Independent Patrol Status (IPS), me and my colleague began patrolling our community, building community engagement and getting ready to respond to any incidents.

Meal break

First responder to an incident

We were dispatched to a domestic assault incident. I arrived to find a young victim with visible injuries. The suspect had already left the scene.

De-escalating the situation and victim support

The victim was incredibly distressed, so I accompanied them in the ambulance to the hospital where I collected a first account of the victim to be used for the case.

Arrest of Offender

While I was with the victim, my colleagues located and arrested the suspect. I informed the victim of the arrest, which helped calm them, but they remained emotionally distressed.

Referring to support services

I made sure the victim was referred to the necessary support services, including domestic abuse teams and mental health resources. Then, I safely transported them to their family member’s house.

Handover and paperwork

Before finishing the shift, I completed the necessary paperwork and handed over the case to a specialist domestic abuse investigation unit.

 

 

A Day in the Life - Detective Rotation

Arrival and Briefing

I arrived at the station and attended a briefing, where my sergeant informed me of an attempted murder investigation and asked whether I would like to get involved. I agreed and began reviewing the investigation documents beforehand to familiarise myself.

Supporting the Investigation

The Senior Investigating Officer (SIO) tasked us to go to the incident location and identify any lines of enquiry that will support the investigation, including locating the suspect’s phone and potential drugs at the scene.

Witness accounts

When I arrived, the officer sitting the scene explained that the suspect’s next-door neighbour had witnessed the incident but had just left for a weekend trip. I made enquires to obtain his number and rang him directly, explaining the importance of obtaining a witness statement from him urgently.

Lunch

CCTV Trawl

I took photographs of all CCTV cameras in the estate, identifying which would be most relevant to capturing the incident location. Some cameras were communal and therefore managed by the estate, but I left a calling card to some residents whose independent cameras also overlooked the incident location, asking them to contact us as a matter of urgency.

Locating potential evidence

I discovered that one of the three drain grids at the incident site had bubbles rising, which could be indicative of something being dropped in the water such as the suspect’s phone. I passed this intel to the SIO.

Witness account

The earlier next-door-neighbour returned and provided an in-depth witness account of the incident. I took notes and paid attention to the witness’ body language.

Wrap up

After a successful day of obtaining valuable evidence and following through additional lines of enquiries, I passed all information on the case to the SIO.

 

 

Jacob | Police Now graduate

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Vestibulum nec lectus pharetra, semper mauris ac, condimentum mi. 

Bringing offenders to justice and supporting victims

Detective Constable Caroline Anderson joined Police Now’s National Detective Programme to make a tangible impact, and she’s done just that. 

“This job is more than just a career. We stood up for someone when they needed it most.” 

Caroline Anderson, Police Now graduate

Within her first few years on the force, she successfully investigated and secured the conviction of a sex offender who had evaded justice for years.

The case involved building trust with the survivor, unpicking historic evidence, and managing a complex and sensitive investigation. It was the kind of work that demanded persistence, empathy, and critical thinking, all of which Caroline had developed through her Police Now training.

 

“This job is more than just a career, it’s about doing the right thing, no matter how tough it gets,” she says. The case took over a year to bring to trial, but Caroline didn’t waver. Working closely with the Crown Prosecution Service and survivor support services, she ensured that every detail was accounted for.

Her work didn’t just bring one offender to justice; it helped restore a sense of safety for the wider community. “It’s about standing up for people when they feel like no one else will,” she says.

 

“It’s about doing the right thing, no matter how tough it gets."

Her work didn’t just bring one offender to justice; it helped restore a sense of safety for the wider community. “It’s about standing up for people when they feel like no one else will,” she says.

  Caroline’s story highlights the real impact of being a detective through Police Now. You’re not just investigating crime, you’re making a difference in people’s lives, often at their most vulnerable moments. 

“I’m proud to have played a role in getting justice,” she says. “It’s a privilege to do this job.” 

NDP_INT_CARI_7_SQUARE
from Police Now

"I’m proud to have played a role in getting justice. t’s a privilege to do this job.”

Standing with victims when it matters most

For Kathryn Stewart, the moment she knew she’d made a real difference came during one of the hardest days of her career. 

“She trusted me. That was the first time she felt like she could trust another person. I’d really made a difference in that little girl’s life.” 

Kathryn Stewart, Police Now graduate

While working in a Protecting Vulnerable People (PVP) unit, she was assigned to support an eight-year-old girl who had been a victim of serious sexual assault. Kathryn led the video interview, a process requiring immense care, patience and emotional strength.

“After completing that interview, the little girl hugged me,” she recalls. “She trusted me. That was the first time she felt like she could trust another person. I’d really made a difference in that little girl’s life.”

It’s a moment that’s stayed with her. “If I wasn’t there to listen to those victims, then who else would be?” Kathryn asks. “They need us at one of the worst times in their lives. If I can just make it a little bit better, that makes my job worthwhile.”

“If I wasn’t there to listen to those victims, then who else would be? They need us at one of the worst times in their lives. If I can just make it a little bit better, that makes my job worthwhile."

The Police Now National Detective Programme prepared Kathryn for exactly this kind of complex and compassionate work. With specialist training and early frontline experience, she was ready to be there when it mattered most.

“Even if that kind of moment only happens once in my whole career,” she says, “I’ll know I made the right decision joining the police.”

Kathryn’s story shows the emotional impact of the role, and the unique opportunity graduates have to stand beside those who need them most.

Q4 - KATHRYN STEWART _ NDP PARTICIPANT INTERVIEW
from Police Now

"I know I made the right decision joining the police.” 

Dorset Police

Police Now | Dorset Police
Scott Chilton - Dorset Police Chief Constable

Scott Chilton

Chief Constable

National Graduate Leadership Programme

National Detective Programme

Visit the Dorset Police website www.dorset.police.uk