‘Detectives’ dream job has turned into a nightmare’

9 May 2018

Many detectives have secured their dream job only to find it turns into a nightmare, according to the national Federation’s detectives’ lead, Karen Stephens.

Writing in a blog on the Police Federation of England and Wales’ website, Karen outlines the pressures of the role and highlights the findings of last year’s detectives’ survey which showed 80 per cent of respondents felt their work had negatively affected their mental health.

“Having been a detective for almost 17 years and a police officer for more than 26, I think the reality of the job is somewhat removed from our on-screen representations,” Karen explains.

“But I have to say when I joined the police young officers could only aspire to become a detective. If you were good enough, and lucky enough, one day you might make it to the mysterious mostly male world which existed behind a door marked CID – a door you still had to knock on to be granted entry if you were in uniform!

“Over the years the mystique and the misogyny has diminished thankfully. And, as the kudos reduced, the workload increased. Today detectives are facing unprecedented demands. They have case files full of some of the most serious offences – all of which have witnesses and victims who need assistance and support.”

In the blog, and as part of the Federation’s national Detectives in Crisis campaign, Karen argues that detectives are facing unprecedented demands and says that in speaking to officers the same words and phrases are recurring: ‘pressure’, ‘undervalued’, ‘stress’, ‘struggling’ and ‘frustrated’.

Matt Robinson, secretary of Leicestershire Police Federation and a former detective himself, has welcomed the blog and added his support to the campaign.

“It is time for the voices of detectives to be heard. Even the Government’s own inspectors have highlighted a shortfall in the number of detectives so this issue must be addressed,” says Matt.

“Detectives carry out a crucial role in policing, gathering evidence, piecing it together, interviewing suspects and witnesses, liaising with prosecutors, building the case, supporting witnesses and so much more.

“The reality of the pressures they face must be recognised and I am sure this campaign will ensure that is the case.”

Karen’s blog.