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- Tasks: Become a Police Detective, combining on-the-job training with academic learning.
- Company: Join Bedfordshire Police, dedicated to serving and protecting the community.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, fully funded graduate diploma, and diverse career opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real difference while developing essential skills in a rewarding and dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: Hold a degree in any subject and possess a curious, inquisitive mind.
- Other info: Limited places available; apply early for the February 2026 intake.
The predicted salary is between 24900 - 25000 £ per year.
Join to apply for the Police Detective role at Bedfordshire Police. This range is provided by Bedfordshire Police. Your actual pay will be based on your skills and experience — talk with your recruiter to learn more.
Bedfordshire Detective Constable Degree Holder Entry Programme. Applicants are sought with a curious, inquiring mind, who think they have what it takes to be a Detective. The accelerated detective programme, also known as Detective Degree Holder Entry Programme (D-DHEP), is a two-year programme that combines on-the-job learning alongside working towards a fully funded graduate diploma with Anglian Ruskin University, all whilst earning a competitive salary and making a difference.
You will start with an initial 27-week phase of learning where we teach you all the knowledge and skills of frontline policing together with a crime National Investigators Examination top-up which means you get to take the NIE exam in your first year with us. From there you will work on patrol as a police officer where you will respond to emergency and non-emergency calls in uniform. You will be supported by a tutor to practice your safe and lawful competency in the workplace and gain Independent Patrol Status.
In year two, we start by teaching the detective role elements such as specialist interviewing techniques; you also have two placements in an investigative environment. The first will be in a volume crime team and the second in a specialist unit such as intelligence, serious sexual offences, and serious assaults.
Following successful completion of the two-year training period, you will be confirmed as a Detective Constable and posted within one of our specialist investigative teams. Starting salary is £29,907 per annum plus £1,500 location allowance.
To apply:
- Ideally, you will hold a full UK manual driving licence. If not, you must hold one within 18 months of your start date.
- You are required to hold a Degree; this can be in any subject (there are no restrictions in place regarding classification of the award).
- No policing experience is necessary, but it is essential that candidates applying display the skills and attributes suited to the role, including an inquisitive mind, excellent interpersonal skills, and a high level of integrity.
It’s a challenging job but one which is extremely diverse and rewarding. In the recruitment process, you will be asked to provide evidence of your academic qualifications for assessment by Anglia Ruskin University. In anticipation of this, please ensure that you have evidential certificates available for all qualifications. If these are not supplied when requested, this will either result in us being unable to continue with your application or delays to your progress.
If you do not have copies of your GCSE, O Level, CSE, or A-Level, you can request a certified statement of results. Please view this link for more information.
We strongly advise that you read the information available on our website prior to completing the application form as it contains important information and guidance; the information will assist you with making a successful application and provides a comprehensive overview of the entry requirements.
Please note that there will be limited numbers of places available on our Detective cohorts, so don’t delay - access the application through the ‘apply now’ button. Your application will be reviewed to ensure you meet the eligibility criteria and you will then be invited to attend the online College of Policing National SIFT.
Bedfordshire Police is committed to fairness towards all members of the community. We are looking for individuals with a range of skills and experiences from a mixture of backgrounds in order to deliver an excellent Police service. We welcome and encourage applications from all diverse groups from within our communities.
Please note, for Bedfordshire internal candidates, to ensure a return on investment on the training invested for your current role, if you are currently in the Force Control Room, Detention Officer, or a PCSO you will need to have completed a minimum level of service in that role before you are able to apply. This is 12 months for PCSOs and 18 months for both Communications Operators and Detention Officers.
Members of the Special Constabulary and Police Community Volunteers are welcome to apply.
Please note that if you are applying for the Detective Degree Holder Entry Programme you will be unable to apply for any other Police Officer entry routes within Bedfordshire Police.
This advert is for a February 2026 intake start date; the advert is due to close on 1st October 2025 but may close earlier if the application target is met.
Seniority level: Entry level
Employment type: Full-time
Job function: Other
Industries: Law Enforcement
Police Detective employer: Bedfordshire Police
Contact Detail:
Bedfordshire Police Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Police Detective
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the role of a Police Detective and the specific requirements of the Detective Degree Holder Entry Programme. Understanding the skills needed, such as interpersonal skills and an inquisitive mind, will help you demonstrate your suitability during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Engage with current or former police officers to gain insights into their experiences. This can provide you with valuable information about the day-to-day responsibilities and challenges of being a detective, which you can reference in discussions during the recruitment process.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for the online College of Policing National SIFT by reviewing common interview questions and situational judgement tests. Practising these will help you feel more confident and ready to showcase your problem-solving abilities and ethical decision-making.
✨Tip Number 4
Make sure to have all your academic qualifications ready and easily accessible. Being organised with your documents will not only speed up the application process but also show your attention to detail, which is crucial for a role in law enforcement.
We think you need these skills to ace Police Detective
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Before applying, make sure you fully understand the responsibilities and requirements of a Police Detective. Familiarise yourself with the skills needed, such as having an inquisitive mind and excellent interpersonal skills.
Gather Required Documents: Collect all necessary documents, including your degree certificate, driving licence (or proof that you will obtain one), and any other academic qualifications. Ensure you have evidential certificates ready for assessment by Anglia Ruskin University.
Tailor Your Application: When writing your application, highlight your relevant skills and experiences that align with the role. Use specific examples to demonstrate your curiosity, integrity, and ability to work in diverse environments.
Review and Submit: Before submitting your application, review it thoroughly for any errors or missing information. Make sure all required documents are attached and that your application reflects your best self. Then, apply through our website to ensure your application is considered.
How to prepare for a job interview at Bedfordshire Police
✨Show Your Curiosity
As a Police Detective, having a curious and inquiring mind is essential. During the interview, demonstrate your curiosity by asking insightful questions about the role and the challenges faced by detectives. This shows that you are genuinely interested in the position and eager to learn.
✨Highlight Your Interpersonal Skills
Excellent interpersonal skills are crucial for a detective. Be prepared to discuss examples from your past experiences where you've effectively communicated or built rapport with others. This could be in any context, such as teamwork, customer service, or community involvement.
✨Prepare Your Qualifications
Ensure you have all your academic qualifications ready for assessment. Bring copies of your degree and any other relevant certificates. Being organised and having these documents on hand will show your professionalism and readiness for the role.
✨Understand the Role's Challenges
The role of a detective can be challenging and diverse. Familiarise yourself with the specific duties and responsibilities outlined in the job description. Be ready to discuss how you would handle various scenarios, demonstrating your problem-solving abilities and integrity.
