Northumbria Police is looking for new detectives, and you do not have to be a police officer to apply.
The force, which covers Tyne and Wear and Northumberland, has become the latest to launch a Graduate Detective Programme, which gives people the opportunity to get a job solving crimes, without spending time as a bobby on the beat first.
Traditionally all detectives begin their careers as police constables before specialising in the investigative side of policing.
But now it is possible for anyone with a degree to get paid to train to become a detective.
Recruitment events will be held this month and those successful in getting a place on the scheme will be paid a salary of £24,780 while they train.
The force's website says: "This is an exciting time to be part of Northumbria Police. We are looking for hard-working individuals who will drive investigations to a successful conclusion and support victims.
"As with all roles within the police, anyone who is in a detective post will tell you it’s the best job in the police. It is challenging, exciting and really rewarding – enabling justice for some of the most vulnerable victims in the most serious of crimes.
"Being a qualified detective opens so many other doors in policing such as specialist roles in Safeguarding or homicide investigations as well as the worlds of covert policing."
The scheme is open to anyone with a degree. Even if they have no previous knowledge or experience of policing.
However, this challenging role might not suit everyone.
The website says: "Naturally there is a balance, the role of a detective is hard work, and you can be dealing with upsetting crimes such as violent murders, victims of rape and sexual assaults but you will be given the support and resources you need to do the role to best of your ability.
"As a detective we need someone with the ability to assume nothing, believe no-one and challenge everything- it therefore requires the ability to make decisions based on evidence, attention to detail and to maintain very accurate records of the lines of enquiry.
"The investigations can be challenging and difficult in terms of the type of crime as well as the complexity but there is always someone to seek advice from and to collaborate with.
"The ability to work on your own, take responsibility for an investigation and the lines of enquiry as well as working as part of a bigger team and bringing offenders to justice is crucial."
More information can be found on the careers page of Northumbria Police's website.
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