Today (Friday 17^th June) almost 170 new trainee Detective Constables completed their initial training at Police Now’s National Detective Programme academy.

The programme launched in 2019 as a pioneering scheme to assist police services across the country with the recruitment, training and development of detectives in the face of a well-publicised national shortage of investigators.

The 14-week academy, which began in March this year, equipped participants with the fundamental knowledge, skills and competencies required in modern investigative work. During the academy, the trainees also sat the National Investigators’ Exam and spent time in their respective forces during field training, experiencing shifts in Response and Criminal Investigation Departments (CID). 

Addressing the participants on their final day of academy, Assistant Chief Constable Sharn Basra of Bedfordshire Police said: “What an opportunity for me to be here today talking to so many of you as you begin your careers as detectives. You will change people’s lives and you will save people’s lives, and I have three asks of you today. Firstly, treat everybody fairly and with respect. Secondly, remain curious and inquisitive, and finally, look after yourselves and support one another.

“Policing is tough, but hugely rewarding, so thank you for taking up the challenge. Policing is brilliant, the people who work in policing are brilliant, and that means each of you are brilliant, so make sure you enjoy your journey on the National Detective Programme and beyond.”

A number of participants received awards at the closing ceremony today, including:

Neeya Gill, West Midlands Police, Special Achievement Award.

Katie Landsborough, South Yorkshire Police, Special Achievement Award.

Sophie Marsh, Northumbria, Outstanding Performance Award.

Olivia Phillips, Bedfordshire Police, Outstanding Resilience Award.

Sarah Church, Thames Valley Police, Excellence in Teamwork and Leadership Award.

Jamie-Shay Jarvis, West Midlands Police, Excellence in Teamwork and Leadership Award.

Having completed their academy training, the new trainee detectives will now be permanently deployed into their respective forces across England and Wales, where they will continue the two-year National Detective Programme.

Over the course of the programme, the Police Now participants will continue to develop their leadership, communication and investigative skills to play an integral part in supporting victims and solving crimes, all the while supported by Police Now coaches and force colleagues. The detectives will also work towards their Graduate Diploma in Professional Policing Practice, in partnership with the University of Huddersfield.

Kurtis Christoforides, Police Now Programme Director and Academy Silver Commander, said: “I am incredibly proud of the hard work each and every one of you has put in over the last fourteen weeks, it has been amazing to see you all progress with your training and I have every confidence you will go on to do amazing work in your forces.

“It is clear from speaking to so many of you that your work to support communities and victims of crime already began during your field training, and that is remarkable. Being a detective is an incredibly tough job, one that will have many ups and downs but will ultimately provide you with a meaningful, challenging and rewarding career. I can’t wait to hear about the impact you make, working alongside the many brilliant colleagues already working in CID offices the length and breadth of the country, as you solve complex crimes and support the victims and communities that need you most.

“I’d like to thank our force colleagues and Police Now staff, who have worked tirelessly to deliver this academy, and our partner forces and the Home Office for their continued support in delivering the National Detective Programme. We will all be there to support you in the coming years and I wish you all the best of luck as you embark on the next steps of your career.”

Following the success of this year’s academy, Police Now are working with 14 police forces for next year’s intake of the National Detective Programme.