Investigate first

You can join our detective programme, Investigate First if you meet our entry requirements. The programme is a tough, intensive, and demanding three-year programme. If you decide it’s not for you, switching to a police constable is not an easy process and you are unable to switch if you haven't yet joined us but are still in the application process. However, you can join on the police constable route and later switch to a detective role, with the required training.

Year 1

You will join as a uniformed police constable and undertake a 22-week initial training programme. On completion, you will then work 15 weeks operationally, in uniform under the guidance of a tutor constable to gain independent patrol status (IPS). Once you have IPS, you’ll work independently on division until the end of the year.

Year 2

You will move into a detective role with a placement in the Criminal Investigation Department (CID). You will receive additional training, both in the classroom and on-the-job, to develop your investigative skills. You will complete further training and assessment specific to your entry route, including the National Investigators’ Examination (NIE) and Detectives Course. You will need to complete an operational competence portfolio evidencing your competency as a police constable. To become accredited as a detective, you will start another operational competence portfolio, which you will work toward in your third year.

Year 3

You'll work as a trainee detective, developing your investigative skills and building your experience. You'll complete the requirements to become a qualified detective constable. If you're in the PCDA program, you'll complete your end-point assessment and achieve a BSc (Hons) in Professional Policing.