Famous fictional detectives and hit crime dramas have long entertained the nation, but they’ve also perpetuated common misconceptions of police investigators. Myths aside, most assume that to become a detective, you need to have some background in police work. Not so anymore.
The Met has launched a two-year training and development programme specifically aimed at providing a direct pathway to the role of detective for people from non-policing backgrounds. The scheme targets those who dream of becoming detectives but may have been put off by the traditional – and previously exclusive – pathway that required candidates to have experience of uniformed policing.
Detective Chief Superintendent Stephen Clayman, who is leading the Met’s new dedicated detective recruitment programme, encourages those interested to waste no time in applying: “If someone’s thought about policing but was waiting for an opportunity like this, grab it now.
“It’s a challenging and hard role at times but it’s incredibly rewarding.”
This streamlined route is part of the Met’s campaign to attract more people to policing. And it’s proving popular. Market research conducted by the Met last year revealed that there was a strong interest in this type of recruitment, especially among women and people from BAME backgrounds. Of those surveyed, 20% of respondents who were previously opposed to a career with the police said they would reconsider joining because of this new pathway.
The increased interest from underrepresented communities is something that the Met is keen to encourage. “There’s an ambition for the Met to look and feel like London and I think that’s a really important aspect of our recruitment campaign,” says Det Supt Clayman.
Responses to the live campaign have so far been very positive, with the Met reporting that they have already received a considerable number of applications.
What can applicants expect?
Applicants who make it through the initial recruitment process, which includes an assessment centre and fitness tests, will take part in 18 weeks of intensive training; followed by 12 weeks working in boroughs as they simultaneously study for the national investigators’ exam that they have up to 12 months to pass. Those who are successful will then undergo further advanced detective training, assessment and accreditation over the remainder of their two-year probation.
Trainee detective constables will be required to show that they are competent investigators of volume crime such as burglary and serious and complex crime such as serious violence, sexual offences and gun offences.
The scheme enables trainee detectives to specialise in developing investigative skills but, as is the case with most other roles in the organisation, they will work closely with their uniformed colleagues.
“It’s really important to realise that the roles of detective constable and police constable are the same rank. It’s just that each one has a slightly different specialism; and this is essentially a non-uniform role,” says Clayman.
Taking part in a new detective programme with no previous experience will be challenging but trainees will not only have their colleagues and line managers to turn to for advice and guidance, but former detectives too.
Responding to feedback from detectives working in the Met, the organisation is hiring dedicated coaches to be on hand to offer additional support to all trainee detective constables. Clayman says: “They’re retired detectives who have been brought back into the organisation. Their role is purely to develop the trainee detective constables.”
Who should apply?
Not only does the role not require policing experience, it’s also open to people from all employment backgrounds. But, as all new police officers in England and Wales will need to have a degree-level qualification from 2018, applicants will have to be degree holders. While the role may appeal particularly to those who have studied subjects such as criminology or psychology, graduates from all disciplines are encouraged to apply.
Clayman explains why having a degree is important: “As a detective you’ll be looking at lots of information; you’ll be researching, you’ll be analysing and you’ll be making critical decisions.”
In terms of employment experience the Met is not specifically targeting those from investigative professions but people with relevant behavioural traits. “We want people who are very self-motivated, have a lot of resilience, who through training will be able to identify risk, will be able to manage their workloads, will be able to work independently or as part of a team and essentially be able to understand someone else’s point of view.”
Clayman says the role is also accessible for parents, with flexible working options available.
‘We’re a big organisation with a lot of possibilities’
After the trainees have passed their probation, they can continue to work as detectives in their assigned boroughs but there are also a whole host of directions their careers can take. Once they’ve gained the relevant experience, they’ll be eligible to apply for vacancies in specialist departments such as counter terrorism, and homicide. For those who have the talent, promotional opportunities might also be available.
There’s a lot of scope to develop in the Met, says Clayman. “We’re a big organisation with a lot of possibilities.”
‘I feel very proud to belong to this organisation’
In terms of job satisfaction, Clayman says that solving crimes, keeping people safe, convicting criminals and being able to relay good news to victims are fantastic rewards.
Referring to the recent London Bridge terror incident when police responded and dealt with the attackers within eight minutes of the first call, and his own experience of leading the coordination of criminal processing in the aftermath of the 2011 London riots, Clayman says they showcase the Met’s ability to come together in a crisis. “It’s incredible and I feel very proud to belong to an organisation like this, and I think these new detectives will too.”
For more information, and to apply, click here.
