Detective constable
1. Overview
Joining us on our Degree Holder Entry Programme provides you with a direct route in to a career as a detective constable, without first undertaking a role in uniform policing.
As a detective you will deal with serious and complex investigations, uncovering the truth and analysing evidence on cases. This could range from undertaking search warrants and making arrests to pushing a case through the courts. At times it can be a challenging role, but also incredibly rewarding – you'll help make London safer, serve our local communities, and strive to achieve the right outcome for victims and their families. If you thrive on problem solving; have good communication skills; love team work; and want to make a difference then this is the job for you.
Being a trainee detective constable
As a new recruit on the two-year Detective Degree Holder Entry Programme (DHEP) you will spend the majority of your time on the frontline, learning alongside experienced officers.
Unlike more traditional qualifications, the DHEP is a vocational course that focuses on practical learning and is specifically tailored for a career in policing ultimately leading to a graduate diploma in Professional Policing Practice. All learning and operational deployments on the Detective pathway are contextualised and relevant to an investigative context.
You will learn how things work in theory so that when you encounter them in real life you will be confident to deal with the situation.
The DHEP Detective programme is delivered in partnership with four London universities:
- Brunel University London
- University of West London
- Anglia Ruskin University
- University of East London
You will be assigned a place at one of our partner universities based on which Basic Command Unit you are assigned during the onboarding phase; and according to the Met operational requirements.
Throughout your programme, you’ll have continual, positive support from both the Met and your university in achieving the skills and knowledge required to be an effective detective and your graduate diploma in Professional Policing Practice. The support you receive will include progression development coaches, academic personal tutor, detective tutor constables, investigative coaches, operational policing support and much more.