Applications welcome from non-degree and degree holders for the new detective programme

If you’ve always been intrigued by the role of detectives and are fascinated by the investigative side of policing, and feel you have the skills and personal values to do this role, then we have exciting news.   

 

This winter, we are thrilled to announce a fantastic opportunity available now within our force. Our new Detective Constable Entry Programme (DCEP) is accepting applications from both non-degree and degree holders, with new recruits on this programme becoming qualified detective constables (DC) in two years' time. Only a limited number of applications can be accepted for our next cohort of 20 starting in August 2025, so if you are keen to pursue a career in investigation, we encourage you to apply as soon as possible, as interest is likely to be high.

Learn more and apply on our detective constable page.  

 

What is the role of a detective?  

As a detective, you will be involved in handling serious and complex investigations, motivated by the desire to do the right thing and bring justice to victims. Your work will be demanding but rewarding, requiring strong problem-solving skills, effective communication, attention to detail, and a commitment to serving the community and ensuring public safety.   

 

Most importantly, teamwork will be a key part of your day-to-day job, working collaboratively with social care, health teams and schools, working alongside your uniformed colleagues to build the strongest cases.  

As a detective you will:  

• manage investigations from start to finish; 
• analyse evidence; 
• conduct interviews and interrogations; 
• work in partnership with a variety of teams and departments, but also with external stakeholders; 
• work a mix of early, late, weekend and bank holiday shifts. 

 

Who are we looking for?    

We are looking for resilient individuals whose first instinct is to help and support others; those who are problem-solvers who pay high attention to detail, those calm under pressure and patient, who ask questions and are curious, but also approachable with a natural ability to communicate with people from all walks of life.  

We encourage candidates from a variety of backgrounds who are eager to pursue a career in investigation to apply.    

We are keen to attract those with transferable skills and work experience from other professional backgrounds to consider a policing career.  

Detective Inspector Peter Scott, training delivery manager in the Investigative Skills Department at the Thames Valley Police Training Centre, an officer with 26 years’ service, is looking forward to enabling and shaping our new detectives. He said: “Policing is the best career in the world; the breadth of what you can do is unrivalled.  This programme offers a pathway for individuals who may not be attracted to uniform policing but want to serve their community to become a fully accredited detective in just two years.” 

 

What can we offer you?  

Here are some of the reasons you should join our family:  

• starting salary for all new recruits is £32,907 (which includes £3,000 South East allowance) from day one of training; after seven years of service the salary will be in excess of £51,000 (which includes £3,000 South East allowance);  
• bonus payment, variable depending on location and department; 
• support with National Investigators’ Exam (NIE);  
• additional benefits including pension scheme and annual holiday entitlement; 
• wide range of discounts; 
• a career for life, with wide-ranging professional development prospects including opportunities for promotion and specialisation; 
• military veterans transitioning directly into a DC role with us will be supported with an additional, one-off resettlement payment of £2,500 paid into their first month’s pay. 
  
  

How is this new detective programme structured?  

• Over two years, this demanding training programme will include: 

• 25 weeks foundation training
• Blend of practical experience and classroom-based learning
• 10 weeks of individual coached patrol followed by 6 weeks continued operational duties with the same team before moving into an investigative department for the duration of your programme
• Additional investigative training at set points within your first two years  

Mark Glover, crime academy manager, said: “We are delighted to offer this entry route into policing. If you are motivated by the desire to provide high quality service to the public, the determination to see an investigation through from start to finish and the compassion to work with victims and witnesses to bring offenders to justice, then this is the career for you.    

“By opening up this route to becoming a detective, the intention is that we will attract a range of candidates who bring with them a variety of different life experiences which will further enhance our response to criminal investigations.”   

Mark worked as the senior investigating officer on the murder and fraud investigation that was made into a TV drama called ‘The Sixth Commandment’. The BBC series showed our involvement in one of the most complex criminal cases in recent memory.  

Ready to apply?    

Recruitment for this new detective programme is now open - we encourage you to apply as soon as possible here, don’t miss out on this opportunity!  

Note to editors   

Please note that Mark Glover is available for interviews related to our detective recruitment campaign. To book interviews, please email [email protected] 

 

JB