New detectives on the case thanks to revamped training

Twenty trainee detectives are the first to join Derbyshire Constabulary on a new fast-track training route.

The new approach cuts down the time it usually takes to become a detective, which traditionally sees officers working towards their investigative qualifications after two years in frontline uniformed roles.

The group, which includes a former prison officer, an ex-military candidate and a former solicitor, will spend the next twenty weeks in the classroom before continuing their learning on the front line.

They will first spend time with uniformed officers, gaining the knowledge and skills needed by all police officers, before moving into the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) within months of joining.

Once there, they will work towards Accredited Detective Status, working with a tutor to complete a portfolio of work and gain their detective qualifications while working on real cases.

Candidates will need to complete and pass the National Investigators Exam before they can become fully-fledged detectives.

Chief Constable Rachel Swann, of Derbyshire Constabulary, said: “This is a really exciting way into policing for people who see themselves in an investigative role.

“Recruits will have all of the same training traditionally given to police officers, but the opportunity to specialise as a detective will come much sooner – making this route perfect for anyone who knows they want to work as a detective constable.

“There are so many different roles and specialisms in policing, all of which are crucial to the vital work we do. It is fantastic to be able to offer people a route directly into one of those roles, simplifying the process so we can continue to attract the best talent to Derbyshire Constabulary.”

Frances Ross, one of the new recruits, said: "I came to a point in my life when my children were getting older and it was time for me to start thinking about where to pick up my career again. I considered whether to carry on with my legal career or have a complete change in direction.

"I chose this route because I wanted a rigorous and challenging career - joining this route offered me the legal aspects of my previous career, as a solicitor, that I relished but in a new direction and with exciting challenges.

“I'm really looking forward to learning new skills as a detective constable, pushing myself out of my comfort zone and feeling a sense of accomplishment knowing that each day I contribute to our community. I'm proud to be part of Derbyshire Constabulary and I look forward to a very rewarding career.”

Anyone who is interested in the detective route, known as the Detective Constable Degree Holder Entry Programme (DC DHEP), can express their interest on the Constabulary’s careers website. There will be further opportunities to apply when detective recruitment opens in September.

Derbyshire Constabulary is committed to equality and diversity and welcomes all applications. The force is especially keen to receive applications from people from Black, Asian and minority ethnic backgrounds, as well as from women and the LGBTQ+ community.