Become a detective: ‘It’s the best thing you can do’

19 January 2021

Train to become a detective and learn skills for life.

That’s the message from Karen Stephens, secretary of the Police Federation’s National Detectives’ Forum, who is encouraging officers to consider becoming a detective.

Writing in a blog as part of a month-long Federation focus on the role of detectives, Karen says the role is tough but rewarding.

She said: “When you join the police, the training you’re given enables you to become an investigator.

“That applies to everyone. I know many believe that because they’re not in detective roles they don’t consider themselves to be investigators. Not true!

“As soon as you turn up to a scene you begin an investigation. I’m not teaching you to suck eggs, I just think it’s worth reiterating.

“If you’re happy to do the initial investigation and move on to the next job, then great – we’re all different and that’s what makes the service what it is.

“However, if you want to get into the detail, see investigations through to the end, then please consider becoming a detective. In my opinion, it’ll be the best thing you can do.

“Yes, you must study and sit an exam, but if you have an enquiring mind, this is the job for you and you will thrive at it.

“The courses you go on from witness and suspect interviewing to disclosure will give you skills for life, transferrable to any role. And you do them so often it will be impossible to forget.”

In her blog, Karen also outlined work she’s doing with the National Police Chiefs’ Council and the College of Policing to develop a toolkit to help officers who become unwell through work.

“Tools like this will be vital in keeping the officers we have fit and hopefully attract new recruits to what is ultimately one of the most rewarding careers out there,” she said.

Read more on the Federation’s Detectives in Crisis campaign.