Police Officer - Direct Entry Detective Constable Programme - HC622392

The Direct Entry Detective Constable (DEDC) programme provides candidates the opportunity to become an accredited detective within two years. Initial training for this programme will commence in November 2026.

We open this challenging programme for a limited time each year to ensure we attract the best candidates and provide dedicated support to your development.

The DEDC programme is a competitive process and only a select number of applicants will be successful. If you meet the core requirements of a Police Constable throughout the process, but do not make it onto the DEDC programme, you may revert to a PC pathway and still have the opportunity to accredit as a detective within three years on our internal routes.

Please note, this advert will close once we have sufficient interest.

What does a detective do?

Detective Constables are Police Officers performing one of the most demanding, but also rewarding roles in policing.

Detective Constables are the same rank as Police Constables but undertake different roles. As a detective you will deal with the most serious and complex crime including serious assault, homicide, fraud, robbery and serious and organised crime.

Detectives will investigate by gathering and analysing evidence in some of the most challenging circumstances. They solve cases by being tenacious, inquisitive and having an unwavering sense of duty to reach the truth.

What does the training look like?

Your initial training will provide you with core policing knowledge, and equip you to take the National Investigators Exam. This exam tests your legal knowledge and we will provide you with support to give you the best chance of success.

You will then be attached to our uniform emergency response teams where you will practice core policing skills and be supported towards independent patrol status.

After this, you will move to our investigative teams where you will have a number of attachments to equip you to become a detective. On completion of these, you will attend our detective training and the remaining part of your two years will be investigating serious and complex crime and becoming accredited as a detective.

What are we looking for?

If you are looking to challenge yourself in a fast-paced and rewarding environment, read below to make sure you are eligible to apply.

Eligibility requirements:

• A full manual or automatic driving licence must be held upon application.
• A Bachelor’s degree or overseas equivalent as recognised by UK NARIC / UK ENIC. This can be in any subject. Please note, you are still eligible to apply if you are in your final year of study, however your application will be paused at the point of conditional offer of employment, until your results are confirmed.
• Have resided in the UK for three years immediately prior to application.
• Not be a member of the British National Party (BNP) or similar organisation.
• Not have tattoos which could cause offence.
• Be a British or Commonwealth citizen, or an EC/European Economic Area national, or a foreign national whose stay in the UK is unrestricted.
• Be able to pass the Job Related Fitness Test

Attributes of a detective

A detective skillset is developed over years of training and experience, but the following attributes are key:

• Critical analysis
• Taking ownership
• Ability to work under time pressure

Recruitment Process

This programme requires several stages of assessments, and can take a number of months, during which you can expect the following:

• Eligibility checks
• College of Policing online assessments
• Application questions to be marked
• In-house assessment day including but not limited to:
  • Job related fitness test (JRFT) (5.4 on the bleep test)
  • Interview
  • Presentation
  • Group discussion
• Pre-employment checks which include:
  • A medical
  • Vetting
  • References
• Initial postings – this can be anywhere in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight. Preferences are taken, however there is no guarantee that you will be allocated to your preferred location.

Pay & conditions

Your starting full time salary will be over £33,164 (which includes £2000 South-East allowance) plus benefits and will rise to over £50,000 after seven years.

There are lots of lateral opportunities for career development, and you can progress as a Detective Sergeant, Detective Inspector and beyond through our clear promotion framework.

In addition our benefits include:

• Generous annual leave allowance (starting at 25 days a year rising to up to 30);
• Retail, food and leisure discounts through Hampshire Police Leisure & Sports and Blue Light Card;
• Excellent wellbeing support including access to counselling and physiotherapy;
• Assisted further education;
• Gym facilities at several of our buildings;
• Access to supportive and active staff groups, networks, associations and bespoke neurodiversity support.

Diversity and Inclusion

Hampshire & Isle of Wight Constabulary recognises that being representative of all the communities we serve will help us to deliver a more effective operational policing service. We, therefore, welcome and encourage applications from people from all backgrounds.

We are an equal opportunities employer that positively promotes flexible working, enabling officers and staff to achieve a healthy work-life balance whilst meeting operational requirements of the constabulary.

The Equality Act 2010 allows us to promote equality within Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary by adopting Positive Action to support people from under-represented groups. Our aim is to recruit talented people with a diverse range of skills and experience and welcome applications from all sections of the community.