National Detective Programme
Do you notice the things others miss?
Do you notice? Are you inquisitive? A problem solver? Someone who can communicate with anyone? Can you gain the trust of those around you?
Do you approach ongoing challenges with focus and determination? Do you have the
resilience to see it through to conclusion?
Choosing to be a detective is a serious career choice. Detectives are focused, work well under pressure and respond quickly to new information with a determined, positive attitude.
A career as a detective offers a competitive starting salary and benefits package, alongside long-term career development.
You also get a unique chance to have an immediate and positive impact on the most vulnerable people in society.
Register your interest in Police Now’s National Detective Programme and be the first to hear when applications open in 2020.
Am I eligible?
You’ll need at least two years’ work experience completed before the start of Detective Academy, reflecting the fact this is not an entry-level graduate role and that we want people with some workplace maturity.
You don’t need any previous policing knowledge or experience, and it doesn’t matter if you’ve never previously considered a career in policing. We’re looking for people with the potential to become the next generation of detectives, representing the diversity of the communities you will serve.
We are recruiting for new police officers only and you should not apply to our programme if you’re looking to transfer between police forces or return to policing. You can only apply to one Police Now programme per intake year and therefore if you have already applied to our 2019 National Graduate Leadership Programme you would not be eligible to apply for our detective programme.
To be eligible for the detective programme, you must:
✓ Have achieved a 2:2 undergraduate degree level or above or non-UK equivalent.
✓ Completed a minimum of two years’ work experience by the start of Detective Academy.
✓ Be between the ages of 20-57 on application.
✓ Have lived in the UK for the last three years.
✓ Have indefinite leave to remain and work in the UK.
✓Not be looking to transfer between police forces or return to policing.
✓ Not have already applied to our 2019 National Graduate Leadership Programme.
Career changers
Changing careers isn’t an easy decision, but life and work experiences are key when it comes to being a great detective.
In fact, you’ll need at least two years’ work experience to be eligible for the National Detective Programme, reflecting the fact this is not an entry-level graduate role and that we want people with some workplace maturity.
You don’t need any previous policing knowledge or experience, and it doesn’t matter if you’ve never previously considered a career in policing. We’re looking for people with the potential to become the next generation of detectives, representing the diversity of the communities you will serve.
You’ll need to be emotionally aware, seeing things from other points of view, and able to form meaningful relationships across diverse groups of people. You’ll need to be methodical and analytical in solving problems, and have the ability to foresee risks, gathering all the information before making a call. Does this sounds like you? If so, you have the potential to become a detective.
Recent graduates
To be eligible for the National Detective Programme you need at least two years’ work experience, reflecting the fact that this isn’t an entry level graduate role, and some workplace maturity and experience is required.
Although not eligible right now for the National Detective Programme, fresh graduates with a 2:2 undergraduate degree or above can apply for the National Graduate Leadership Programme, a two-year salaried programme developed to recruit talented graduates into neighbourhood policing roles.
A number of our National Graduate Leadership Programme alumni go on to become detectives following their time in neighbourhood policing.
What we look for
We’re looking for people who demonstrate the strengths and characteristics suited to the role of police detective.
Detectives thrive under pressure, taking a positive attitude to overcome obstacles.
They respond quickly to new information, methodical in their approach to solving complex problems.
Detectives are able to form meaningful relationships with a variety of people, taking the time to see things from another perspective, adapting communication style to suit the audience.
✓ Empathic connectors: meaningful relationships with a variety of people, allowing you to communicate and persuade effectively.
✓ Investigative mindset: a methodical approach to solving complex problems, considering all eventualities and risks.
✓ Clear communicators: a clear and effective style of communication, both verbal and written.
✓ Credible authority: instil confidence and trust in others through the quality of your knowledge, skills, presence and professionalism.
✓ Organised: manage your time highly effectively, and deliver in all situations.
✓ Innovative and open minded: open to learning and feedback, always striving to improve and develop.
✓ Resilient: work well under pressure and in the face of change, with a determined and positive attitude to overcoming obstacles.
✓ Committed to delivering results: often outside your comfort zone, you push yourself hard, using your initiative to get positive results.
✓ Legacy: making a sustainable impact, leaving things better than you found them.
About the programme
The National Detective Programme is a salaried two-year training and development programme.
The programme is designed to equip you with the core policing skills required in modern investigative work, with a strong emphasis on digital training, delivering demand reduction and systematic change allowing you to contribute to the outstanding work already being done by existing detectives up and down the country. Successful candidates will be resilient, focusing on working towards defined goals, rarely losing focus.
You’ll be tenacious, the type of person who makes a choice and sticks with it. By demonstrating a positive can-do attitude, you will view obstacles differently to everyone else – there to be tackled head-on rather than used as an excuse to give up.
We’re looking for talented and driven individuals who notice what others would miss. As a detective you will quickly become an instrumental member of the police force, solving crimes and working towards making our communities safer places to live, for generations to come.
Am I eligible
to apply?
Our criteria for entry to the programme follow national standards for new police officers.
What training will I receive?
Find out what happens in the two-year detective training programme.
What salary
can I earn?
Police detectives receive a competitive salary and a wide range of employee benefits.
Join our National Detective Programme
Over five years we’ve partnered with 30 police forces across England and Wales to provide career opportunities nationwide.
Find out which forces we recruited for during the National Detective Programme 2019.
Register your interest
Applications for the National Detective Programme are currently closed. To receive updates about applications opening in 2020, register today.