At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead investigations and support victims while tackling serious crimes in diverse communities.
- Company: Thames Valley Police, dedicated to building resilient communities.
- Benefits: Competitive pay, housing allowance, wellness support, and career development opportunities.
- Other info: Join a supportive network of officers and enjoy a variety of roles across the region.
- Why this job: Rejoin a dynamic team making a real difference in public safety and community wellbeing.
- Qualifications: Must have prior police experience and a full UK driver’s licence.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 38003 £ per year.
Together, we aim to build stronger, more resilient communities, providing a modern police force which meets the needs of the public we serve. Preventing and thoroughly investigating crime, supporting victims and bringing offenders to justice. This commitment relies upon a team of over 8,000 staff, officers and volunteers, working alongside partner agencies and with the public. We cover a wide geographical area including Buckinghamshire, Berkshire and Oxfordshire. Our patch is diverse – historic cities meet vast rural spaces. Cutting-edge organisations work alongside world-class universities. 2.4 million people call it home and 6 million visit each year. There are four football league clubs and annual high-profile events including Royal Ascot, Reading Festival and Henley Regatta. We often rise to unique challenges like the Royal Weddings and Presidential visits, with millions of people around the world watching on. We’re home to Windsor Castle and the PM’s country residence Chequers – which means we’re also home to a Protection Group of armed officers second only in size to the Metropolitan Police. Policing our region takes a dedicated team of officers, staff and volunteers. Our people are our most important asset.
As well as many staff benefits, we provide a wide range of career opportunities, specialist posts, as well as development and promotion prospects. We encourage former officers returning to policing within TVP; whether you left to focus on family or to try a different career altogether, your new experience will be a valuable addition to the team. With the five year rejoin rule now removed, it’s easier than ever to return to policing. We have exciting opportunities available to specialise in a variety of departments including opportunities for Detective Constables, in ARV and Protection Group (or those with the ambition to join) and many more. Please get in contact to find out further details. This is your opportunity to take on a role with pride and confidence, inspiring change in our communities.
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible to re-join Thames Valley Police, you must have:
- Previously completed your probationary period and have been confirmed as a substantive at the rank you are applying to re-join.
- Live within 40 road miles and a 1-hour commute of two of our main police stations by formal offer of appointment.
- Hold a Full UK driver’s license (manual or automatic).
- Previously worked at a Home Office force, Channel Isles and Isle of Man Police.
There is potential changes in transferring from British Transport Police (BTP) and Ministry of Defence Police. Please email your interest and you will be added to a list and note that there is no timeframe outlined as of yet. If you are applying for a Sergeant or Inspector post, please contact us for an update on our recruitment status.
Recruitment Process
The recruitment process will follow a set programme of application, paper sift, competency based interview, vetting (including biometrics), medical checks, reference checks and fitness test. Numerous interview dates are available and we can accommodate a range of dates for medical appointments and fitness tests.
Posting Opportunities within Thames Valley Police
We are particularly interested in recruiting ICR officers who wish to be posted to Local Command Units (LCUs). These regions of Thames Valley Police provide a varying working space with opportunities to develop your career. You will have the opportunity to police vast urban and rural areas with a diverse culture and attend major events occurring within Berkshire, Buckinghamshire & Oxfordshire counties.
Re-Joiner Detectives
With a force size that guarantees a broad range of crime and a reputation for solid investigations, there is no better place than TVP to be a detective. We have an established, comprehensive investigative structure and are the host force for a number of South-East regional crime teams; for example Counter Terrorism Police South-East. As a detective, you will deal with some of the most serious and complex crime possible including serious assaults, domestic abuse, child protection, fraud, homicide, cybercrime, county drugs lines and crimes against vulnerable people.
As a Detective, no two cases or days are the same. You are responsible for managing and conducting complex investigations from initial crime scene management to the verdict being delivered at court. Your role will vary from interviewing suspects, identifying witnesses, handling forensic evidence, preparing and submitting case papers, attending court and being the point of contact for victims of crime as you work to uncover the truth. Partnership working is key as you collaborate with social care, health teams and schools, working alongside your uniformed colleagues to build the strongest case and achieve justice for victims.
Dependent on where you are posted within Thames Valley Police, you may be entitled to an annual bonus payment. For more information on this, please contact the Transferee Recruitment Team.
Temporary Detective Constable
We are not open for Temporary Detective Constable roles at this time and do not have a timeline as to when this will re-open.
Substantive Detective Constable
You will be able to transfer/re-join as a substantive DC and be posted to a suitable role within our PCT (priority crime team), CID (Criminal Investigation Department), CAIU (child abuse investigation unit), or DAIU teams (domestic abuse investigation unit). Alternatively, you would be able to apply for internal DC roles after a successful transferee interview via our internal jobshop adverts for non-response roles which you will be eligible to apply for. It is worth noting that for specialist roles you will be required to interview and may have to undertake additional assessments or vetting checks associated with each role.
Training
All Home Office re-joiners who left less than 3 years ago must attend an initial three week induction course at our Police Training Centre in Sulhamstead near Reading. This is a local procedures course including Public and Personal Safety Training, ELS, and familiarisation with the TVP NICHE system including electronic case files. During the course you will also be issued with uniform and IT (Information Technology) equipment. You will then receive 5 weeks of tutoring/shadowing on LCU to consolidate your training. If you are re-joining and left policing more than 3 years ago, you will be required to attend a seven-week version of this induction course. You will then receive 10 weeks of tutoring/shadowing on LCU to consolidate your training. Officers who are re-joining after more than 5 years may be required to start a new Police Officer entry route. Our recruitment team can support if this is the case. You will be subject to a probationary period, the duration of which will be confirmed during recruitment process, as per the Determinations of the Secretary of State Under Police Regulations 2003 Annex C. Accommodation is available for those who live outside the posting policy for the duration of the induction course.
If you require any further information about transferring to Thames Valley Police please email Transferees@thamesvalley.police.uk. If you are from an underrepresented group and would like to discover what additional support and development opportunities are available, please do not hesitate to contact the Positive Action and Engagement Team who can help facilitate this Positiveactionteam@thamesvalley.police.uk.
Transferees and Re-joiners Support Group
Hundreds of our officers have joined us from other forces, bringing a wealth of experience and knowledge with them from a variety of roles and specialisms. As a force we are proud to have a support network for transferring officers, to ensure a smooth transition in what can be quite a demanding time personally and professionally. TVP’s Transferees Support Group aims to provide support to all police officers who have recently transferred to TVP, ensuring they get the best possible start with us, as well as providing a knowledge-base to tap into and improving the transferee experience.
Pay & Benefits
Thames Valley Police adheres to the national pay scales and as such you will re-join on the same pay increment you previously received. All Thames Valley Police officers currently receive South East Housing Allowance on top of national pay scales. This currently stands at £3000 per annum. TVP police officers, police staff and special constables qualify for various concessions and services, such as reduced gym membership, travel concessions and technology savings. Our ‘Support for Study’ scheme ensures you have the opportunity to gain additional accreditation and qualifications. A wide range of discounts for retailers, restaurants, travel, tickets and more available via our TVP Reward mobile benefits app plus eligibility for Blue Light Card membership. A well-established Wellbeing function ensures you receive the support you need when you need it, including support for your Mental & Physical Wellbeing, Financial Wellbeing, Leadership Wellbeing and Health & Safety at work. A wealth of support services are available through membership of the Police Federation. A variety of Peer Support, Staff Support Networks and Buddy Groups including: Support Association for Minority Ethnic Staff, Disability Support Network, Women’s Network, Gypsy Roma Traveller Police Association, Muslim Police Association, Christian Police Association and Men’s Forum.
Detective Constable: Re-Join & Lead Investigations in Oxford employer: Thames Valley Police
Thames Valley Police is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive work culture where every call handler plays a vital role in community safety. With comprehensive training leading to a nationally recognised qualification, employees benefit from professional growth opportunities and a commitment to diversity and inclusion, making it a rewarding place to build a meaningful career.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Detective Constable: Re-Join & Lead Investigations in Oxford
✨Dive into Local Government Events
Get yourself to local government events and public sector job fairs. These are great for meeting recruiters and understanding what different organisations, like Thames Valley Police, are looking for. Plus, it shows your genuine interest in the sector!
✨Join Relevant Networks
Look for communities focused on public sector careers. Whether it’s local networking groups or online forums, connecting with professionals in the field can provide insider knowledge and opportunities that you won’t find on typical job boards.
✨Utilise Your University’s Resources
If you’re freshly graduated or still studying, make the most of your university's careers service. They often have exclusive partnerships with companies like Thames Valley Police and can help you get your foot in the door for these full-time public sector roles.
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We think you need these skills to ace Detective Constable: Re-Join & Lead Investigations in Oxford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Relevant Experience:In the public sector, having experience in community engagement, policy analysis, or project management stands out. Make sure to showcase any previous roles or volunteer work that reflects your understanding of public service values and how they've shaped your career path.
Showcase Your Knowledge of the Sector:When you’re applying for a government role, it’s crucial to demonstrate your understanding of the current political landscape and public policies. Consider including articles you've written or relevant projects that underline your capability to engage with these concepts effectively.
Tailor Your CV to Reflect Core Competencies:Government positions often require a clear demonstration of competencies such as communication, teamwork, and problem-solving. Try to structure your CV to highlight these skills, using specific examples of how you’ve applied them in past experiences, ideally with quantifiable outcomes where possible.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to tell your story and convey your passion for public service. Discuss why you want to work for Thames Valley Police and how your values align with their mission. Be genuine and let your enthusiasm shine through—this can really set you apart from other candidates.
How to prepare for a job interview at Thames Valley Police
✨Get to Know Public Sector Values
Before your interview with Thames Valley Police, dig deep into their mission and values, especially how they align with public service and community impact. Understand the key policies or initiatives they are involved in – you’ll want to show that you genuinely care about serving the community.
✨Brush Up on Regulatory Knowledge
Brush up on the regulations, laws, and compliance standards relevant to the role you’re applying for. Since this is the government and public sector, they might throw technical questions related to policy frameworks or project management best practices that you'll need to navigate day-to-day.
✨Highlight Teamwork and Collaboration
The government sector thrives on collaboration. Be ready to discuss how you've successfully worked in diverse teams or involved stakeholders in your projects. Show us how you bring people together to get a common goal achieved – that's what public service is all about!
✨Prepare Real-Life Examples
Craft a few STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) stories that demonstrate your experience in similar roles. Whether it’s a project that made a difference in the community or a challenging situation you managed, be ready to express how your skills and experiences make you a valuable asset for Thames Valley Police.
