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Applicants are sought with a curious, inquiring mind, who think they have what it takes to be a Detective.

The accelerated detective programme, also known as, Detective Degree Holder Entry Programme (D-DHEP) is a two-year programme that combines on the job learning alongside working towards a fully funded graduate diploma with Anglian Ruskin University, all whilst earning a competitive salary and making a difference.

You will start with an initial 27-week phase of learning where we teach you all the knowledge and skills of frontline policing together with a crime National Investigators Examination top-up which means you get to take the NIE exam in your first year with us. From there you will work on patrol as a police officer where you will respond to emergency and non-emergency calls in uniform. You will be supported by a tutor to practice your safe and lawful competency in the workplace and gain Independent Patrol Status.

In year two we start by teaching the detective role elements such as specialist interviewing techniques, you also have two placements in an investigative environment. The first will be in a volume crime team and the second in a specialist unit such as intelligence, serious sexual offences and serious assaults.

Following successful completion of the two-year training period, you will be confirmed as a Detective Constable and posted within one of our specialist investigative teams. Starting salary is £26,682 per annum plus £3,000 location allowance.

What we're looking for

  • You must hold a full UK manual driving licence.
  • Level 2 qualification or equivalent in Maths and English.
  • Level 3 qualifications equivalent to 32 UCAS points (Two A-Levels or equivalent)
  • You are required to hold a Degree or Level 6 qualification. No policing experience is necessary, but it is essential that candidates applying display the skills and attributes suited to the role, including an inquisitive mind, excellent interpersonal skills and a high level of integrity.  It’s a challenging job but one which is extremely diverse and rewarding.

Recruitment process

In the recruitment process, you will be asked to provide evidence of your academic qualifications for assessment by Anglia Ruskin University.  In anticipation of this, please ensure that you have evidential certificates available, for all qualifications. If these are not supplied when requested, this will either result in us being unable to continue with your application or delays to your progress.

We strongly advise that you read the information available on our website prior to completing the application form as it contains important information and guidance; the information will assist you with making a successful application and provides a comprehensive overview of the entry requirements.

Please note that there will be limited numbers of places available on our Detective cohorts, so don’t delay - access the application through the ‘apply now’ button. Your application will be reviewed to ensure you meet the eligibility criteria and you will then be invited to attend the online College of Policing National SIFT.

Hertfordshire Constabulary is committed to fairness towards all members of the community. We are looking for individuals with a range of skills and experiences from a mixture of backgrounds in order to deliver an excellent Police service. We welcome and encourage applications from all diverse groups from within our communities.

Please note, for Hertfordshire internal candidates, to ensure a return on investment on the training invested for your current role, if you are currently a in the Force Control Room, Detention Officer or a PCSO you will need to have completed a minimum level of service in that role before you are able to apply. This is 12 months for PCSOs and 18 months for both Communications Operators and Detention Officers.

Members of the Special Constabulary and Police Community Volunteers are welcome to apply. Please note that if you are applying for the Detective Degree Holder Entry Programme you will be unable to apply for any other Police Officer entry routes within Hertfordshire Constabulary.

To enable us to deliver outstanding policing for everyone, we need people from all backgrounds with a range of professional and life experiences so that we are truly representative of our communities.

Why work for Hertfordshire Constabulary?

We have gained a reputation as a pioneering and innovative force, responsible for policing a large diverse, multi-cultural population.

If you are looking for a fresh challenge which offers a genuine opportunity to make a real difference to people’s lives, variety and the chance to broaden your experience, then we are the force for you. Benefits include:

  • Access to the local government pension scheme (police staff) or Police pension scheme (Police officers) including career average, employer contributions and death in service.
  • Paid leave days depending on force and length of service (police staff - 24 to 33 days, police officers 22 to 30 days).
  • Paid sick leave of six months full pay and six months half pay (depending on service).
  • Occupational maternity, adoption, and paternity pay (dependent on service).
  • Carers and discretionary leave.
  • Flexible working arrangements including compressed hours, flexible shifts, job share, annualised hours and agile working (depending on role requirements).
  • Gym facilities, weekly yoga classes, exercise classes, squash facilities, exercise space etc. are available (depending on location).
  • Each force has its own sports or sports and social club, offering discounts, trips, and events.
  • Cycle to Work scheme.
  • Access to Blue Light Card providing discounts to Emergency Services on the high street and online.
  • Access to Police Mutual providing financial support including savings plans, insurance, breakdown cover, loans and independent financial advice.
  • Employee Assistance Programme.
  • Various support groups including Black and Minority Ethnic (BME) Support Group, Christian Police Association (CPA), Disability Awareness Network (DAWN), Lesbian, gay, bi-sexual & transgender (LGBT), Menopause Action Group, Police Chaplains.
  • Access to a Trade Union (UNISON)/Staff Association (Federation).
  • The Backup Buddy Police Support app is designed to help with mental health issues and gives practical advice and support as well as a range of podcasts.
  • Opportunities for development and further study including Further You Talent Management, Be You BCH Senior Leadership Programme, and supervisory leadership workshops.

Additional information

Equality, diversity and inclusion

We are working hard to increase diversity and inclusion within the Constabulary, where communities are under-represented, including those from Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) communities, people of all ages, abilities, faiths, religions and gender, LGBT communities and those from other disadvantaged or marginalised backgrounds, who share our values and wish to make a difference to the communities we serve.

All applications will be treated on merit, based on the evidence provided in your application and suitability for the role you have applied for.

Flexible working

All requests for flexible working patterns will be considered and will be dependent on the role.

Recruitment and selection policy

Internal applicants who are at risk of redundancy or in need of redeployment and pass the selection process, will be offered the role over the remaining internal and external applicants.

Police barred and advisory lists

Individuals placed on the Police Barred and Advisory lists will not be considered for employment by the police for a minimum of 5 years from the date of listing in the case of gross misconduct, or 3 years from the date of listing in the case of poor performance.

Vetting and safeguarding

We are committed to safeguarding and operate safer recruitment processes, to ensure a police service that employees are proud to work for because they feel safe, valued and part of a happy and supportive work environment. All employees and volunteers therefore will be subject to background checks including vetting and references.

Useful information before you commence an application

You will require the following detail to complete this application form:

  • National Insurance Number
  • Identification Detail e.g. passport
  • Address information including proof
  • Referee information
  • Full employment history including dates and any qualifications you may have attained.
  • You will also be requested to provide photos of any visible tattoos you have.

If the role requires you to drive you will also be required to upload details from your full driving license including photos.