What is a typical day as a Detective Constable?

The attraction to policing, especially being a detective, is that there isn’t a typical day.

You will be working within a team, managed by a Sergeant, investigating serious and complex crime.

Your day could range from progressing existing investigations by using various methods to track your suspects, requesting forensic analysis, crafting court case material, liaising with witnesses to planning and interviewing a suspect.

Alternatively you could be asked to form part of a team in responding to a live serious and complex crime which requires collaborative working between all of the departments within your district.

What kind of crimes do Detectives investigate?

Your caseload will focus on serious and complex investigations, which includes offences such as;

Serious assaults

  • Homicide
  • Drug supply
  • Serious sexual offences
  • Sudden and unexpected death investigations on behalf of the coroner
  • Firearms offences
  • Serious cases of domestic abuse

Do Detectives wear a work uniform?

Detectives do not wear uniform and instead the expectation is smart business attire.

When you start our DEDC route, there will be an attachment to uniform, which is key to developing core policing skills.

Do Detectives study for a degree whilst training?

Obtaining a degree isn’t part of the DEDC pathway. Being accredited as a detective is however recognised across England and Wales. In order to do so, you will complete the NIE which is a legal exam detectives must pass. You’ll be offered support and guidance with this exam then supported with completion of a portfolio to help provide you with the confidence you’ll need to perform the role.

What are the career prospects as a Detective?

There are well established promotion opportunities to Detective Sergeant, Inspector and beyond. Progression in policing does not have to be rank based as there is a wide range of lateral opportunities including specialist departments and specialist skills such as advanced interviewing, interview management and family liaison to name but a few.

What departments can a Detective work in?

Within policing you can find a specialism which suits you. Most of our trainee detectives start in CID (Criminal Investigation Department) and have the later opportunity to transfer to:

  • Amberstone (Rape and Serious Sexual Offences Team)
  • Major Crime (homicide investigations)
  • Serious and Organised Crime Unit
  • Child Abuse
  • Financial Crime
  • Cyber Crime
  • Intelligence

This list is not exhaustive.