Kent Police have launched a new, ‘fast track’ to detective recruitment. Investigate First was launched on May 1 as what the force calls a clear route towards becoming a detective constable.
The first year of training will see recruits learn the same as a uniformed police officer, including working as an investigator and responding to emergency calls. They will also be given the opportunity to take on extra investigative courses. A second year of training will see them move into a trainee detective role and begin their studies under the Initial Crime Investigators Development Programme – the course needed to become a qualified detective.
As a trainee detective they will be working on a range of complex cases, from burglary and serious assaults to sexual offences, whilE working towards becoming a fully accredited detective. Rob Vinson, Kent Police’s Head of Investigative Development, said: ‘We are committed to finding the best talent to join our ranks and provide a first class service to the people of Kent. This innovative, new entry route will do just that.
‘Working as a detective constable is a challenging and rewarding role. The new recruits will soon find that each day they are improving victim’s lives and helping make Kent an even safer place to live. The role is also incredibly varied; detectives work on anything from burglary to murder and robbery to serious sexual assaults. There’s no limit to where a career can take you.
‘While we are offering this programme, our high standards will remain unchanged. All new recruits will be fully trained police constables, capable of carrying out independent patrol.’
The Kent force are making what they term the biggest recruitment drive in their history; for example call handlers and dispatchers responding to emergency 999 and non-emergency 101 calls in the force control room.
