Fancy being a police detective but don't know where to start? It might not be as difficult as you first thought.

Cheshire Constabulary is launching its first ever Fast Track Detective Programme, which will see those successfully recruited fast tracked to undertake the nationally accredited detective training programme.

This is a brand-new entry level route into policing and has been meticulously developed by Cheshire’s lead Crime Training Team.

The extremely competitive recruitment window for the programme opens on Monday (January 11) and is due to close on Sunday, January 24, and forms part of the national 20,000 police officer uplift commitment made by the government. 

The force is calling upon those who have an eye for detail, who are willing to ask questions and who want to professionalise their life skills to join Cheshire Constabulary.

In return you will be offered a very attractive starting salary, be valued, trusted and empowered to be innovative and make decisions.  

You will become part of a caring policing family, where you can be you.

Recruits will be supported with professionally delivered courses which will allow those successful to first and foremost become a police officer in Cheshire, which will require commitment and dedication to serving the public and also to the demands of the Fast Track programme.

Head of Crime in Cheshire, Assistant Chief Constable Matt Burton, said: “The traditional path to becoming a detective constable would see you join as a uniformed police officer first and then consider a detective career path at a later date in your policing career. However, we are now giving you the chance to move directly into a trainee detective constable role following on from your initial officer training.

“Being a detective is not only challenging, it is extremely rewarding. Detectives investigate anything from domestic abuse, fraud, robbery, child protection, cyber-crime, serious assaults, organised crime, right the way through to high level drugs importation and serious organised crime.

“We have designed this entry route programme to equip you with the right knowledge and resources to support you in becoming an accredited detective. This is a fantastic opportunity for the force to bring in a diverse and talented group of people, who can bring their unique life skills to the role to help make Cheshire safer.” 

Police and Crime Commissioner for Cheshire, David Keane, said: “Working for Cheshire Constabulary provides an excellent opportunity to play a major part in keeping Cheshire one of the safest places in the UK to live, work and visit.

“This is a fantastic, unique training programme for anybody who is passionate about protecting their communities and seeking justice to train as a detective and become part of the wider Cheshire Police family.

“I look forward to seeing how this programme and the new recruits contribute to making our communities safer.”

ACC Matt Burton added: “This is a highly competitive programme and there are a limited number of spaces available. If you are unsuccessful try not to be too disheartened. The programme forms part of the governments national 20,000 police officer uplift commitment, and there are alternative routes in to becoming a police officer such as Police Constable Degree Apprenticeship. There is also a wide variety of roles available to become part of the wider policing family such as Police Community Support Officer and Force Control Operators. 

“If you hold a Level 3 qualification, want a secure career and think you have what it takes to uncover the truth and seek justice for those affected by crime, then bring your true authentic self to Cheshire and let us turn you into a detective.”

For more information on eligibility criteria or to apply, visit: Fast-Track Detective Programme.

Please be aware the lines may close early if the maximum number of applications has been received. 

To find out more about a future career with Cheshire Constabulary visit: https://www.cheshire.police.uk/police-forces/cheshire-constabulary/areas/cheshire/careers/careers/