Police Now is a charity that recruits and trains graduates to become police officers and detectives working in partnership to transform communities. The new two-year National Detective Programme is a unique opportunity to forge a new career and help transform communities, reduce crime and increase the public’s confidence in policing. Candidates undergo 12 weeks of intensive theoretical teaching and practical field training on a residential programme taught by detectives. Training focuses on the core skills required to be a modern detective, including digital policing and building an investigative mindset.
We talked to DC Gabaldi and DI Mendoza* about the most common questions people ask about being a police detective.
Can you really become a detective with no policing work experience?
DI Mendoza: “Absolutely, with the appropriate training and support. Being the right kind of person for the job is also key. If you’re a fast learner who thrives on a challenge, you’ll have no issues. You’ve also got to really believe in yourself.”
The job of a detective can be very demanding. What support is in place for those who choose to join the National Detective Programme?
DC Gabaldi: “As someone who originally joined Police Now as a police constable in 2015, I can honestly say that professional support and development is at the very core of the National Detective Programme, from start to finish. Upon completion of training, participants join their force in uniform for a short period of time, before undertaking non-uniformed investigative work, supported by in-force colleagues and line managers, as well as a Police Now leadership development officer (LDO).”
What is the role of the LDO?
DC Gabaldi: “The Police Now LDO is there to coach, guide and support your personal and professional development throughout the two-year training programme.”
What kind of work will the (trainee) detectives undertake once they’ve completed their initial training?
DC Gabaldi: “Make no mistake; you’ll be a real detective, working on active cases from the off. You won’t be single-handedly managing a murder enquiry on your first day, but you will be out in the field serving your community and solving real crimes.”
What kind of person would make a good detective?
DI Mendoza: “You need excellent communication skills, and that means the ability to engage and communicate with all your senses.”
What skills will a detective need?
DI Mendoza: “A willingness to help and be a team player are important skills for a detective, because a large part of the job is about helping and supporting your colleagues alongside serving your community. Commitment is key; you need commitment to go to the ends of the earth to solve cases and to do the right thing for victims of crime.”
What is the most challenging part of the job?
DI Mendoza: “The issues you could be dealing with as a detective aren’t things that ordinary people come into contact with every day, and the outcomes have a direct impact on people’s lives, so switching off from that at the end of the day can be challenging. That’s also what makes the job so rewarding, of course.”
What’s an average week like as a detective?
DC Gabaldi: “When my working week starts, I have no idea what I am going to be doing – or even where I’m going to be – by the end of it. Anything can happen. You could plan to spend Wednesday catching up on paperwork and doing some enquiries for a burglary you’re investigating, but suddenly it’s 6am and you’ve worked through Tuesday night on a manhunt for a dangerous offender who urgently needs to be located and arrested. It’s not for everyone, but I love the pace and excitement of my work as a detective.”
What’s the most rewarding part of the job?
DI Mendoza: “Getting good results for victims of crime and knowing that your actions can make a difference to individuals, families and communities is very satisfying. It isn’t always about securing a conviction – even little actions can make a real difference to someone’s life. It sounds soppy, but it really is a privilege to be among those relied upon to keep people safe. No matter how long the hours and how hard the work, it always feels completely worth it.”
What would you say to someone considering applying for the National Detective Programme?
DI Mendoza: “It’s a cliche, but just do it. Stop thinking about it and do it. You won’t look back.”
Note: *due to the nature of cases currently being investigated by them, the names of the police detectives are pseudonyms in order to protect their identity
Apply now at the Police Now Detectives site
