Vacancy Information
Being a detective is demanding, diverse and incredibly fulfilling. From cyber-crime, domestic abuse and child protection, through to homicide, high level drugs importation and serious organised crime; you will help solve some of the most serious crimes possible. Analysing the evidence, interviewing suspects, taking a case to court – you will uncover the truth and seek justice for victims.
If you’re a degree holder with the compassion to help build trusting relationships; the tenacity to see a case through from start to finish; the desire to get justice for victims and the emotional resilience to keep calm, yet confident, then a detective career could be for you.
This is an intensive course, which will require commitment and dedication to both serving the public and meeting the demands of the programme. In return, we promise a good starting salary, supportive working environment, great training experiences, opportunities for progression and, upon successful completion of your learning, a graduate diploma in professional policing practice.
There are a limited number of spaces on our 2023 Detective Programme and we anticipate high levels of interest in the opportunity. We recommend that you submit your application as early as possible as it may be necessary to close the recruitment window early.
Chief Constables' Message
We really welcome your interest in joining our Police Force. It is a privilege to lead the teams in Surrey Police and Sussex Police who continuously work selflessly and tirelessly in order to keep people in our counties safe.
We are looking for talented and inspirational people who put the needs of the public at the heart of everything that they do and who want to make a difference. If you feel you are that person then we want to hear from you.
We wish you all the very best with your application.
Chief Constable Tim De Meyer & Chief Constable Jo Shiner
Key Responsibilities
The Detective Programme uses one of the new entry routes into policing – the Degree Holder Entry Programme. These entry routes recognise police officers operate at a level where they take personal responsibility for decisions in complex, unpredictable environments and help provide the skills and capabilities necessary for policing in the 21st Century.
You will be employed as a Police Officer from day one, gaining valuable experience of the role while studying towards your accreditation as a detective and your graduate diploma in professional policing practice.
Training will initially be at Sussex Police Headquarters in Lewes, where you will gain the fundamental skills and knowledge you need to succeed. You will then be posted to a division where you will spend a short period of time working within our Response teams. Following this you will then work in either Investigations or within one of our Safeguarding Investigations Units. Here you’ll apply what you have learnt and, with the support of your coaching and development officer, take on your first cases.
You will also be required to sit the National Investigators’ Examination; a multiple choice exam which is designed to ensure individuals have the right knowledge, understanding and application of relevant law and procedure to perform effectively as a detective.
Skills & Experience
This recruitment campaign is expected to fill our intake in March 2023, you must be available to attend one of these intakes. Please note that during the first 15 weeks of training you will not be able to take any annual leave.
Please make sure you are available for dates within all stages of the recruitment process as alternatives cannot be accommodated. Dates are subject to change.
Online Tests - from 27th June 2022
National Assessment Centres – 24th August 2022 to 31st August 2022
Force Interview and Detective Assessment – From October 2022
Diversity Statement
We are only as good as our people. It's really important that our officers and staff can be themselves in the workplace and we know that as an organisation we'll grow from the variety of thinking, approach and skills that diversity brings; all of which help us to deliver a better policing service. We strive to ensure how we deliver our services, provide information and how we recruit is open and accessible to all.
We have multiple staff support groups who help to improve our understanding of minority issues and ensure they are reflected in our work. We are proud members of the Stonewall Workplace Equality Index and Disability Confident, a signatory of the Race at Work Charter and aligned with the Armed Forces Covenant and the HeForShe movement.
We value the differences that people bring from all backgrounds and communities. Regardless of age, sex, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression, disability, social status or religious belief, we would love to hear from you.
Please use the following links to find out more on Equality, Diversity and Inclusion at Surrey Police and Sussex Police