For trainee detectives, passing the National Investigators’ Exam (NIE) is a key milestone – demonstrating they have the knowledge and understanding to take on more complex investigations and progress towards full accreditation as a detective.
This year, participants on Police Now’s latest National Graduate Programme have achieved their strongest results yet.
With a national pass rate of 67%, 86.3% of our trainee detectives passed the exam, continuing a seven-year trend of outperforming the national average. Four percent achieved exceptional grades – double the national benchmark.
Behind these results is a combination of individual determination, structured training, and a shared commitment to making a difference.
Building the foundations
The officers began their journey at our residential academy, where they spent 13 weeks developing core policing and investigative skills.
Learning alongside a national cohort of officers from different forces, specialisms and backgrounds, they experience a unique environment that combines intensive training with a strong peer network that continues throughout the two-year programme and beyond.
A key part of the academy is sitting the NIE, which ensures officers have the legal understanding needed to support investigations effectively – from gathering and assessing evidence to progressing cases and supporting victims through the justice process.
By completing it early in their careers, Police Now officers are equipped to contribute to investigations from the moment they arrive in force – ready to make a meaningful difference to victims and communities.
“The hard work paid off”
“I studied a lot, but it helped that I found much of the exam content on criminal and law genuinely interesting.
“I found the exam difficult, but it went a lot better than I thought, and I was both shocked and relieved when I got my result. The hard work paid off!
“There are genuinely so many opportunities in policing, and now that I’ve passed the NIE, I feel really excited about the different directions my career can take me.”
“I felt really proud of myself”
For DC Faith Bryant, the experience of receiving her results is one she won’t forget:
“When I got my result, I don’t think I’ve ever been more nervous to open an email. It wasn’t until the initial shock wore off that I felt really proud of myself.
“Now I’m really excited about my future and want to experience everything policing has to offer. If you find something you love and are passionate about it, you can give your best to it, which is what I plan to do.”
A career with impact
Since launching the National Graduate Programme, Police Now has trained over 1,200 detectives, bringing fresh perspectives and greater diversity into investigative policing. Participants consistently exceed national benchmarks in the NIE, reflecting both the strength of the programme and the calibre of those who join.
As Head of Programme Delivery Millie Tanner explains:
"These results are a testament to the dedication of our participants and the quality of our training.
“We've grown our programme significantly since our early years, and yet our pass rate remains impressively high. That doesn't happen by accident. It reflects the commitment of our recruits and the rigour of our programme.
“We’re proud of each and every participant who joins us, but we’re even prouder of the impact they will go on to have – and, in many cases, already do have.
"Ultimately, these results represent detectives who are ready to make a real difference to victims and communities.”
