Police Now is a not-for-profit organisation, our central mission is a representative police service. We partner with forces across England and Wales to recruit, develop and inspire outstanding and diverse future leaders in policing. We are looking for talented graduates from all degree disciplines who are motivated by our mission You don’t need experience in policing to apply to this role.
Our National Detective Programme is a salaried two-year training and development opportunity for graduates. It is designed to develop your leadership and problem-solving abilities to equip you with the skills required in modern detective and investigative work. Upon successful completion of the programme, you will have a permanent role in policing.
Being a detective is all about how you interpret information and being able to spot clues where others don’t, allowing you to see below the surface. Society is changing and people are demanding better, for our communities, and from our police service. You want change: a real way to tackle the problems destroying people’s lives. By becoming a police detective, you can make this happen.
You'll collaborate with others, combining insight and evidence to solve some of England and Wales’ most complex problems. In everything you do, you’ll adapt to change and remain impartial as situations change. You’ll show compassion to the communities you serve, being a pillar to your local community.
As a police detective, you provide the most critical support for victims of crime. What you choose to do will affect lives for generations to come. Whether driving change alongside your colleagues, or improving relations with the public to build trust, your work will change the future of policing for the better.
Police forces
• Devon and Cornwall Police
•
Humberside Police
• Wiltshire Police
Don't see a force you're able to join?
As we expect new forces to partner with us, you will have the opportunity to continue with your application by choosing which regions you would be interested in working. You will then be added to the waitlist, to have first choice of new forces that join us.
Eligibility
To apply for this programme, you must:
• be
over 17 years of age or older on application, (and 18 by the time of
appointment)
• be a British citizen, a citizen of a country that is a
member of the European Economic Area or Switzerland, or a Commonwealth
citizen or foreign national who is resident in the UK and has settled or
pre-settled status or leave to remain and work without restrictions
•
have been resident in the UK for the past three years (some exemptions
allowed).
• not currently be registered as bankrupt (or have
bankruptcy debts that have been discharged within the past three years)
•
not have existing county court judgements outstanding against you
•
not be a current or previous member of a proscribed terrorist
organisation or group
• not plan to take an active role in politics
once in role (this does not include voting, but would include canvassing
for a political party)
• be competent in written and spoken English
and numeracy
• hold at least two UK level 3 qualifications in any
subject, or non-UK equivalent
• have a 2.2 or above in any
undergraduate degree from a UK university (or equivalent from a non-UK
university) and have completed all education by the programme start date
March 2025 (this includes part time or distance learning)
• have not
undertaken the College of Policing-licensed pre-join degree in
Professional Policing Practice
• have not previously attested,
trained or been employed as a police constable
Rewards and benefits
Salary
As a police detective you can earn a starting salary of
£28,551 depending on force/location, which will commence on the first
day of your training academy. Every 12 months on the anniversary of your
joining date, your pay increases to the next pay
point. Within six years you could expect to reach a salary of over
£40,000.
Leave
This ranges from 22 days (in addition to public
holidays) when you’re starting out to 30 days for long-serving staff.
You can also expect other forms of leave including adoption, maternity
and paternity.
Work-life balance
This is not your typical 9-5. Police
officers work varied shift patterns which gives them flexibility and
freedom to maximise their time outside of work. Different to your
typical working week, you’ll often receive several days off in a row. It
may take some time to adapt to shift pattern working, but once you do,
you may find that the flexibility of the schedule allows you to better
balance work and home life.
Pension
You’ll automatically be enrolled as a member of the
Police Pension Scheme 2015, which awards police officers for their
dedication and service to the public. It offers a generous and secure
retirement package, providing officers with financial stability and
peace of mind.
Training and development
The programme will start with an
initial 13-week residential training academy. You will then take part in
various sessions over the two years, designed to develop your leadership
and policing skills, as well as reflect on the impact you have made. You
will also have access to a dedicated Performance and Development Coach
during the two years, who will provide tailored support and guidance.
Career progression
Following completion of the programme, you
can enrol in the promotion process, and you will join our alumni
community, where you can receive support with progression. We have
alumni across the country who are represented at levels up to Chief
Inspector who are leading change and exploring new approaches to
policing.
Application process
There are three stages to our application
process during which you’ll gain insight into the role of a police
detective:
1. Online application, including proof of eligibility.
2.
Immersive assessment.
3. Digital assessment centre.
There is support available throughout the process from our recruitment team and adjustments can be made at all stages.
If successful, you will receive a conditional offer and be allocated a dedicated Recruitment Officer to assist with your onboarding and pre-employment checks including: fitness test, BMI, medical, references and vetting.
