Direct entry as a Detective
Freedom of information request reference no: 01.FOI.19.010843
I note you seek access to the following information:
I was wondering how long you have to be a beat officer before you can progress?
Someone I know in a different force said I might be able to go straight in as a detective due to my degree, and almost masters degree. Wondered if this was true.
Decision
I have today decided to disclose the located information to you in full.
Please find below information pursuant to your request above.
I was wondering how long you have to be a beat officer before you can progress?
To be eligible to apply for the National Investigators Exam (NIE), you must have completed your two year probationary period. It is a requirement to pass the NIE before being accepted onto the Trainee Detective Constable (TDC) programme. The NIE exam pass does not expire for three years. This enables the officer this whole period of time in which to apply to become a TDC after passing their investigative exams. Officers must complete the NIE, apply to become a TDC and after attending the relevant courses undertake to complete their workbook within a year of posting as a TDC.
Someone I know in a different force said I might be able to go straight in as a detective due to my degree, and almost masters degree. Wondered if this was true.
We do have an entry route called ‘Detective Career Pathway, where a candidate can apply as a direct entrant to become a Detective. This route provides individuals with the opportunity to come into the role directly as a trainee detective constable with no prior policing experience, and without having to join as a PC first. You need to hold a minimum level 6 qualification (BA/BSc Hons) degree in any discipline, or be an undergraduate student working towards one. This is in recognition of the level at which detectives are typically expected to operate in terms of their decision making and complexity of their work. If your level 6 qualification was not secured in the UK, you must also hold a GCSE qualification in English language at a grade C or above, or an English language equivalent overseas qualification.
As a trainee detective constable, there is a two year probationary period with 20 weeks of training –You will be equipped with knowledge and understanding specific to the detective role as well as that of a police constable - things like officer safety training, managing conflict and understanding key powers and procedures - all of which are critical for all officers regardless of specialism. Your training will include periods of 'coached patrols' which includes familiarisation visits to operational police buildings and later working within an investigative environment – putting your initial learning into practice, before being assigned to a borough where you'll continue to develop the skills and knowledge required to become a detective constable.
You’ll be required to complete and pass the National Investigators Exam, advanced detective training course, and continue to work towards becoming a substantive detective constable. All of this will be achieved within your first two years, after which you will be successfully confirmed in the rank of detective constable. You’ll also have the support of a local investigative coach, who’ll be there to provide knowledge, advice and guidance as you develop in the role.
Current Recruitment Routes
It should be noted that at present the recruitment process for the Detective Career Pathway is not currently open. This is due to the high volume of applicants currently in the process. A new recruitment campaign for detectives is expected to be open next year.
I would encourage you in the meantime to consider the opportunity to apply as a PC. We are currently actively recruiting for Police Constables. This still provides you with an opportunity to become a Detective after successful completion of your two year probationary period. It also gives you the opportunity to diversify into other specialist areas as a uniformed officer, if you wish.
Please do visit our met careers website for further information on how to apply.