How to Become a Detective in the UK?

The work as a detective is above all mentally demanding. If you have a high level of analytical thinking and want to help people, this may be the perfect job for you. In this article, we answer all the questions about this profession, especially how to become a detective in the UK.

Departments for Detectives

As a detective, you have to decide in which direction you want to develop and in which department you want to work. The type of work in the different sectors can be completely unrelated, and the most popular are:

• Criminal Investigation Division (CID) – This has the most in common with all crime films and series. It investigates suspicious murders, missing persons and burglaries. Also kidnappings and other matters that do not fall under other divisions
• Drug squad – deals with drug dealers and criminal groups who smuggle illegal substances from other countries. They often collaborate with other departments to break up organised groups
• Fraud squad – the employees of this department deal with financial crimes. Most investigations are carried out in the field of money laundering, but also in other financial frauds
• Child Protection Division – this division handles most investigations against minors. This includes crimes such as abduction, domestic violence and more
• Firearms department – this is not only about the illegal possession of weapons but also about trafficking and smuggling. Cooperation with the drug department is part of the daily routine
• Special Branch – a real elite of detectives works there. They deal with matters of state importance, i.e. national and international security. They interfere with terrorist groups and are themselves responsible for the most important tasks

If you start working in one of the units, you have the option of transferring later, but this is often not very easy. Depending on the region you live in, some units are more crowded than others, so detectives start their work in a department with a view to be transferred later. The experience gained will certainly bear fruit.

The Skills of a Detective

Of course, everything can be learned and training will definitely develop many of your skills. However, it is known that some of us have a greater predisposition to become detectives than others. The most useful skills are:

1. developed interpersonal skills – you will often work with other officials. Communication skills will not only be helpful then, but also in contact with civilians. Not everyone is able to convey information clearly, and this is essential in the detective profession
2. ability to work under stress – this applies to all professions concerning the police, especially the detective. Stress is his everyday life and must not have a negative impact on the quality of work and decision-making
3. the ability to control emotions – has a lot to do with working under stress. A good detective cannot get carried away, no matter what the situation is
4. analytical thinking skills – combining different facts is the essential skill that enables you to solve difficult matters
5. knowledge of human psychology – this skill is useful in many areas of detective work. Of course, no background in psychology is required, but innate or acquired abilities to understand human behaviour
6. planning skills – some matters require detailed action planning. Especially those that extend over a long period of time. In such cases, not everything can be achieved by spontaneous action, and good planning can be the key to success

These are just the main detective skills that come in handy at work. Some of them coincide with the abilities required for a police officer, but in the case of a detective, more emphasis is placed on the psychological and emotional aspects.

What Qualifications Do You Need to Be a Detective in the UK?

Contrary to the information circulating among people, you can become a detective without being a police officer in the UK. To achieve your dream position, you should choose one of three development paths.

1. Police Now National Detective Programme

This is a two-year training programme in which cadets develop all the skills required for detective work. To qualify for this, you must achieve at least a 2:1 at the undergraduate level. The training starts with a 12-week course that covers both theoretical knowledge and practical fieldwork skills. The course is very intensive and ends with the NIE – National Investigators Exam. Passing this exam is a prerequisite for continuing the course.

The next stage of training is to immerse yourself in the ranks of the police to learn the basic rules that apply there. Practice makes perfect, which is why this stage is particularly important in the development of detective skills. In this phase, you will shadow more experienced officers in solving complex forensic problems. This is the final part of the course, after which you can become a fully-fledged detective.

2. Internal training with specific police forces

A specialised pathway for detectives targeting a specific branch. It allows you to develop practical skills from the outset and its completion guarantees you a diploma of completion in a Professional Policing Practice.

3. Police Constable Degree Apprenticeship 

A three-year cadet programme that guarantees a BCs degree. Upon graduation, the cadet can work as a fully-fledged detective in the ranks of the British police force.

As you can see, there is no answer on how long it takes to become a detective in the UK. Choose carefully which path best suits your expectations. Not everyone can afford a three-year study program and much depends on the stage of life of a potential candidate.

FIND OUT WHAT THE DETECTIVE’S SALARY IS!

Detective Duties

What does a detective do in the UK? In the simplest terms, a detective is concerned with protecting people and their property. It is difficult to discuss his duties in detail because it all depends on which department he works in. However, he doesn’t have much in common with the tasks of detectives shown in crime movies. If you were inspired to take up this profession by one of the famous series about murderers, then you should think carefully about whether this is a job for you. 

Apart from the detective elite, you will not be dealing with compelling cases on a daily basis. A large part of the work is the careful planning of activities mentioned earlier. You must also be prepared to report on your activities and respect the instructions of your superiors. You will be dealing with a wide variety of criminals and each case requires an individual approach, so as a detective you need to be able to adapt to the situation. An important part of the job is reading certain cases because intervening too early can have the opposite of the intended effect.

Private Detectives

Private detectives are a completely different field from those who work for the police. They are usually employed by detective agencies or run their own business. They deal with cases that often do not involve breaking the law, such as infidelity or other family matters.

Such agencies usually employ people who have previously worked as detectives for the police or other services. They have the necessary experience in the areas of observation, data collection and undercover investigations. Skills are much more valued here than education, as training for private detectives tends not to be provided. You work on your own, although some activities require cooperation with a corporate partner. Most agencies provide business equipment such as a car, a camera and a tracking device. If you work as a private investigator, you have to take into account trips all over the country, because companies rarely limit themselves to certain cities.

Conclusion

In summary, before becoming a detective in the UK or even starting training, you need to assess whether you are ready to take up such a job. It is a mentally and physically demanding position, not everyone can do it.

Now you know, how to become a detective in the UK. When you are ready for looking for your first job, visit Gowork.uk and go through your potential employer’s reviews!