Quickfire Roundup
– It takes several years of experience as a police officer before becoming a detective.
– To become a detective, you must pass a rigorous selection process and complete specialised training.
– They must complete their probationary period first (usually two years) before being allowed to apply for the detective role.
Are you already serving as a police officer looking to advance your career? Or perhaps you aren’t yet in the police force and are wondering how exactly you can become a detective.
Either way, becoming a detective is often a lengthy yet extremely rewarding process to progress in your career. But what is the difference between a police officer and a detective?
Unlike a police officer, a detective’s role comes into play after a crime has occurred. Responsible for investigating and solving serious and complex investigations, ultimately, a detective’s duty is to uncover the truth by way of analysing evidence, conducting search warrants, and making arrests.
Today, we explore what a detective does, the routes of entry for becoming a detective, and the length of time it takes to be appointed.
Role of detective
A detective is much more than just an investigator. Typically an independent and analytical thinker, detectives are responsible for uncovering serious and often complex cases including murder, serious assault, robbery, drugs, domestic violence, child protection, and so much more.
It is certainly not for the faint-hearted. Often dealing with spine-chilling cases, to become a successful detective, you must be ready to face the harsh realities of the world. Putting your personal feelings aside and bringing justice to anyone who falls victim to a crime.
The day-to-day life of a detective often includes attending crime scenes to conduct investigations, interviewing suspects and witnesses in relation to serious crimes, examining evidence and personal records, and ultimately gathering enough information to successfully prosecute a suspect.
Routes of entry to become a detective
There are two routes of entry for becoming a detective: Direct Entry Detective and moving from a serving police officer to a detective. Let’s explore what each of these entails.
Direct Entry Detective route
A fantastic way to join the force all while being paid to learn, to successfully enrol in the Direct Entry Detective route, you must hold a degree.
The nature of the degree is not relevant, but you must have a minimum of Level 6 (2:2). Alternatively, you may still apply if you are working towards your final year and have your predicted grades at the time of application.
A fast-track process for becoming a detective, the program is designed for individuals who hold transferable skills, knowledge, and experience. All trainee detectives will undergo a two-year probationary period where training will be provided to help equip them with a high standard of knowledge and skills essential to the role.
During the two-year probationary, trainees will receive ongoing tutoring and will regularly go out on patrol with their tutor. Towards the end of the program, trainees will be required to work towards a Graduate Diploma in Professional Policing Practice. Thereafter, trainees will be required to complete and pass the National Investigators Exam and Detective Training Course before becoming appointed as a detective.
Already serving police officer
Unlike individuals entering the Direct Entry Detective route, a well-seasoned police officer should already hold a wealth of practical experience and knowledge in standard policing.
While you may think that this would put an officer at an advantage for progressing in their career, there are some cons to this route. For example, a police officer must have served for at least three years before becoming eligible to apply for a detective position.
Additionally, your superior’s input can have an impact on your success. Do you have high evaluation marks? And have you been putting in your best efforts as a police officer? These factors will certainly be marked against your application.
Much like the Director Entry Detective route and after serving for three years, all police officers must first complete and pass the National Investigators Exam.
How long does it take to become a detective in England?
The length of time it takes to become a detective in England varies depending on which route you take.
If you have applied via the Direct Entry Detective route, the typical time for completing the program and passing the exams takes 2 years. However, if you apply for the role while serving as a police officer, the minimum time it takes is 3 years plus any additional time taken to sit and pass the relevant exams.
How long does it take to become a detective in Scotland?
In Scotland, the approximate time to become a detective is 3 years. Much like the rules in England, you must have served for at least 3 years before you can apply.
At present, there are no direct entry schemes into becoming a detective. You must be a serving police officer to apply. Additionally, you are not eligible to transfer into Scotland as a detective if you were appointed via a direct entry scheme.
The Wrap-Up
On average, to become a detective in the UK, you can expect to be trained either on the job as a serving officer or via a direct entry scheme for anywhere between 2 and 3 years.
While this seems like a long time to wait, don’t let it put you off. Becoming a detective is a highly rewarding and fulfilling career. If you are an independent thinker, observant, and extremely analytical, then this career might just be for you.
