Frequently asked questions

If you would like to apply for the Cambridgeshire Accelerated Detective programme (DHEP D), follow the link below

Apply now

Yes, during the first year.  You will start off with 20 weeks of training followed by periods working within response policing (initially with a tutor constable) and within volume crime investigation. Following that period, you will need to wear smart business attire (provided at the individuals expense).

• For men this will mean trousers, collared shirt, tie and shoes/boots (not trainers). 
• For women this will mean dress or skirt/trousers with smart top and shoes/boots (not trainers). 

Yes, all candidates will need to pass basic knowledge checks during the initial training period.

In addition, candidates will need to pass the National Investigators Exam before they move into the second year of training to become a detective. In order to become a detective this exam must be passed.

Support for the NIE includes being provided with the Blackstone’s Police Investigators’ Manual and Workbook, an induction day which includes a Checkmate crammer session, 2-day Checkmate Crammer course and mock exam day.

Convictions/cautions/penalty notices will not automatically prevent you from appointment. However, if the matter was within the last five years most forces will not accept your application. Individual circumstances will be considered depending on the circumstances and the nature of the offence.

What must you declare?

• Any conviction (includes motoring offences such as speeding)
• Any police caution/Penalty Notice for Disorder
• Spent convictions
• Any involvement in any criminal investigation that did not lead to prosecution
• Applicants who have existing County Court Judgments (CCJs) outstanding against them should not be considered.

To apply, you are required to hold a Degree or Level 6 qualification and a Full Manual Driving Licence.

Officers are paid an ‘unsocial hours allowance’ on a daily basis where they work between the hours of 8pm and 6 am.

This is paid at 10% of hourly rate.

Core hours for detectives are between 0700 and 2200 hours, 7 days a week.  This is split between day shifts and late shifts.  All detectives work a shift pattern but this differs depending on the team you work within.

The force operates a night crime function and as a detective you will be required to work nights on average twice a year. 

There will be an initial 20-week training phase as an introduction to policing equipping candidates with their basic policing skills

This initial training will cover police powers and procedures, key legislation, personal safety, first aid training and role plays to allow the opportunity to apply what has been learnt.

Following this foundation course there will be a 10-week period of being tutored in response policing to consolidate learning from basic training and provide you with an understanding of operational policing requirements.

You will then have a short period on uniformed independent patrol before moving into a volume crime investigation role.  This is a stepping stone to becoming a detective and will hone your skills with investigation, interviewing suspects and preparing case files to go to court.

Moving into the second year you will be moved into an investigation role within one of the forces investigation teams.  You will be provided with one to one tutoring with a detective.

In order to successfully complete your probationary period and to become a detective you will be required to do the following.

1. Maintain a portfolio of work (‘one file’) to show capability across relevant skill area.  This is as a police constable and a trainee detective constable
2. Pass the National Investigators Exam (NIE a multiple-choice knowledge test relating to the role of an investigator).
3. Attend modular training in the second year.

Fitness test: This involves running along a 15-metre track to a series of audible beeps. The beeps, during the course of the test, get progressively faster. You will need to have reached each side of the track before the next beep sounds.
Pass: Run to level 5.4 (Approximately 3 1/2 minutes)

You will also be required to complete and pass personal safety training in order to fulfil the role, this includes physical confrontation training.

The role of Detective Constable is an exciting and varied role.  You will be involved in all aspects of the investigative process which includes, dealing with victims and witnesses, attending and managing crime scenes, securing evidence, identifying and arresting suspects, interviewing and creating case files and attending court.

All applicants will be involved in investigating a variety of different crime types as you are moved between departments.

Within local investigation teams you will be involved in investigating burglary, robbery, serious assaults, amongst other crimes.

Within more specialist teams you will be involved in investigations that include rape, child abuse and honour based abuse.

All staff will be supported through these investigations whilst you build up your knowledge and experience and can work independently.

Accommodation is not provided by the force whilst you are in initial training or detective training.  The training will be based at either Monks Wood or Police Headquarters.

Detectives for Cambridgeshire Constabulary work from a number of bases. During your time on response you will work from one of the five responses bases across the county.  These are based in Peterborough, March, Huntingdon, Cambridge and Ely.

During your second year whilst training as a detective you will move between different teams to expose you to different types of investigation.  During this time you could be based at Peterborough, March, Huntingdon, Chord Park (Godmanchester) or Cambridge.

The starting salary for police officers is £26,682 with pay increments every 12 months to a maximum of £41,130 at seven years of service.

Officers are paid an ‘unsocial hours allowance’ on a daily basis where they work between the hours of 8pm and 6 am.

This is paid at 10% of hourly rate.

You will get paid monthly by automatic credit to your bank or building society account.

If you are interested in working part-time or in a job share, please tell us on your application form and we will be happy to consider it.

A child care voucher scheme providing tax benefits is available.