National Detective Programme 2024

Our National Detective Programme is a salaried two-year training and development graduate programme. 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 the UK’s most complex problems. In everything you do, you’ll be adaptive 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 in the police service alongside your colleagues, or improving relations with the public to build trust, your work will change the future for the better. The challenge is great and so is the need for motivated individuals to step up to protect society’s most vulnerable. 

We are looking for talented graduates from all degree disciplines. You don’t need any previous policing knowledge or experience to have the potential to become the next generation of police detectives.  

Our partner forces

• Devon and Cornwall Police
• Gwent Police
• Hertfordshire Constabulary
• Humberside Police
• Staffordshire Police
• Wiltshire Police

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 one UK level 3 qualification in any subject, or non-UK equivalent 
• hold a 2.1 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 of 2024, 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 

Your salary starts when you begin the Police Now Academy. The government has announced police officer pay will increase by seven per cent across all ranks from 1 September 2023 in England and Wales. From September, your starting salary will increase to £28,500 - £37,000+, depending on the force you join. You could also receive location allowances of up to £6,906 per annum. Within six years, the basic salary of a police constable can then rise to £40,000 plus allowances in line with Home Office guidelines. This number will vary with the recent pay increase announcement.

Some of our graduates seek promotion after they have successfully completed our two-year programme and you can get support from Police Now on this. With promotion up the ranks comes increased responsibility and salary.

Leave 

You’ll start with 22 days per year (on top of public holidays), rising to 30 days depending on your length of service. 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. 

Financial services discounts 

There are various partner organisations who work alongside the police to offer a variety of financial services including saving, investment and protection products, as well as discounts and subsidies. Many major high street stores, retail outlets and other national organisations offer discounts and special deals to police officers. Most police forces also provide access to a number of subsidised leisure and sporting activities. 

Personal support and advice 

Once you have received a conditional offer, you will be allocated a dedicated Recruitment Officer who will assist you with all stages of your onboarding into force: your vetting, medical tests, fitness tests, references, and induction days. 

Training and development 

You’ll be joining the only national entry route into policing designed specifically for graduates. The programme is delivered in partnership with Liverpool John Moores University, and you will complete a bespoke Graduate Diploma in Professional Policing Practice. You will also have access to a dedicated Performance and Development Coach who will provide tailored support. In addition, you will receive regular training, attend events and skills sessions, while having access to a national peer network to learn from and share experiences with. 

Career progression 

After you finish the programme, you will have access to an alumni team who will continue to support your professional and personal development. This includes expert support on promotion applications, skills development sessions and social events. 

Application Process 

During the application process you will be immersed in the role of a police detective and understand what it involves. The process from online application to conditional offer can take 3-6 weeks from start to finish. However, this is dependent on how quickly you complete each stage. 

Throughout each stage below, you’ll learn more about the life of a police detective: 

• Online application, including proof of eligibility  
• Online assessment 
• Digital assessment centre 
• Conditional offer 
• Pre-employment checks including: fitness test, BMI, medical, references and vetting 
• Programme start date, March 2024 

Want to find out more? To read Paola's journey into becoming a Trainee Detective Constable in the Devon and Cornwall force, click here.