Force needs to do more to encourage officers to consider CID

21 March 2023

West Mercia Police Federation’s detective lead Stephanie Dyer has urged the Force to do more to celebrate and promote the essential and exceptional work its investigators do.

Stephanie was speaking after the chair of the Police Federation National Detectives’ Forum (PFNDF) warned of a nationwide shortfall in detective numbers and said uniformed colleagues no longer jumped at the chance of a transfer.

She said: “There are indeed many reasons which are leading to the current issues affecting detectives in the Force.

“Simply put - why would officers join the CID? They lose money, they have to pass an exam which they have to study for in their own time, complete a number of portfolios, change shift patterns and are essentially thrown into CID offices where there are no longer experienced detectives to mentor them and they are not put on a DDP course for some time into their detective journey. 

“But, you wouldn't give officers a firearm without any training, so why is CID any different?

“Officers are being left to flounder in busy, stressful working environments which inevitably leads them to realise that they were better off in uniform and if they don't leave completely, they often return to response. Investment and support are the key. 

“Detectives, even TIs, are investigating with the worst of crimes, the most vulnerable of victims, the most dangerous offenders all of which carry the greatest possible risk.”

“Even new officers in departments are given serious and complex cases to investigate prior to passing an exam or completing their DDP course.

“West Mercia is at the bottom of the list of forces when it comes to investigations so as a force we need to be investing in our investigators in every aspect - upgrading technology, cutting bureaucracy, investing in good mental health provisions and mandatory psychological assessments as well as ongoing and consistent training and upskilling when there are any changes in law, policy and procedure.”

Stephanie said the Force should do more to encourage uniformed colleagues to make the switch.

“Being a detective is a fantastic job. There are many diverse opportunities for officers once they are PIP2 qualified,” she said.

“The Force needs to celebrate this fact and promote the essential and exceptional work these investigators do. 

“West Mercia Police must ensure that their detectives are seen to be the best of the best, that they are well supported and have a good place to work in order for officers to want to work within CID.

“That would naturally improve the recruitment and retention with police officers who want to be in there.” 

Speaking on TalkTV as part of the channel’s Police Week, Ben Hudson, chair of the PFNDF, said there were not enough detectives across England and Wales.

He said: “Becoming a detective requires an additional exam and sometimes that from an educational perspective will put people off.

“But also, to be a detective you are roughly taking a £1,200 pay cut because of the difference in not working nights and the shift allowance you get for that as a uniformed cop.

“One of the things we are looking to address nationally is pay parity so we can try to ensure we can keep people interested in becoming a detective.”