Our exciting Detective Degree Holder Entry Programme is your opportunity to become a fully accredited detective in just two years; helping us achieve our policing priorities of preventing and responding to crime, helping and protecting vulnerable people and using your skills to bring justice for victims.

As a detective you will deal with some of the most serious crimes possible. From fraud, serious assaults and child protection, through to homicide, high level drugs importation and domestic abuse; you will analyse the evidence, interview suspects and uncover the truth.

If you’re a degree holder with the compassion to help build trusting relationships; the tenacity to see a case through from start to finish; the desire to get justice for victims and the emotional resilience to keep calm, yet confident, then a detective career could be for you.

This is an intensive course, which will require commitment and dedication to both serving the public and meeting the demands of the development programme. In return, we promise a good starting salary, supportive working environment, great training experiences, opportunities for progression and, upon successful completion of your training, a graduate diploma in professional policing practice.

There are a limited number of spaces on our Detective Degree Holder Entry Programme and we anticipate high levels of interest in the opportunity. We recommend that you submit your application as early as possible as it may be necessary to close the recruitment window early.

Chief Constables' Message

We really welcome your interest in joining our Police Force. It is a privilege to lead the teams in Surrey Police and Sussex Police who continuously work selflessly and tirelessly in order to keep people in our counties safe.

We are looking for talented and inspirational people who put the needs of the public at the heart of everything that they do and who want to make a difference. If you feel you are that person then we want to hear from you.

We wish you all the very best with your application.

Chief Constable Tim De Meyer & Chief Constable Jo Shiner

Eligibility

All applicants must:

• Have successfully completed, and be able to evidence, a UK undergraduate degree (360 credits) in any subject. Applicants with non – UK degrees can be considered if their degree is recognised as equivalent by UK NARIC but will need to provide evidence of an acceptable English language qualification if their degree was not taught and assessed in English.

• Applicants that are graduating in the summer of 2024 are able to apply. You will need to upload evidence of completion of university modules to date when you apply.

• Be aged 17 years or over (you must be 18 when you start).

• Have been a UK resident for the past three years. (If you do not currently fulfil the criteria this will be reviewed on a case by case basis, please contact the recruitment team for further information)

• Be a British citizen, a citizen of a country that is a member of the European Economic Area or Switzerland, or a Commonwealth citizen or foreign national who is resident in the UK and free from restrictions.

• Have a full UK manual driving licence (by time of appointment)

• Not be a current or previous member of any proscribed terrorist organisation or group.

• Not have tattoos which could cause offence (Please contact the recruitment team for further advice).

• Not have six penalty points or more.

• Not have served a prison sentence.

 

Recruitment Process

Stage 1: Application Form and Eligibility Checks
Stage 2: National Sift - Behavioural Style Questionnaire and Situational Judgement Test
Stage 3: National Assessment Centre - Written briefing and competency-based interview
Stage 4: Detective Assessment
Stage 5: Pre-employment checks consisting of references, vetting, medical, biometric vetting and substance misuse testing and fitness testing.

We anticipate starting dates will be from September 2024 onwards. Please note that we cannot guarantee any specific start date.

Please note that during the first 15 weeks of training you will not be able to take any annual leave.

Contact us

If you have a query about any aspect of your recruitment journey, be that eligibility requirements, completing the application form, or you want to find out more about what happens after you have submitted your application, our recruitment experts can answer your questions. Email the team to book a one-to-one conversation - careers@surrey.police.uk

Diversity Statement

We are only as good as our people.  It's really important that our officers and staff can be themselves in the workplace and we know that as an organisation we'll grow from the variety of thinking, approach and skills that diversity brings; all of which help us to deliver a better policing service. We strive to ensure how we deliver our services, provide information and how we recruit is open and accessible to all.

We have multiple staff support groups who help to improve our understanding of minority issues and ensure they are reflected in our work. We are proud members of the Stonewall Workplace Equality Index and Disability Confident, a signatory of the Race at Work Charter and aligned with the Armed Forces Covenant and the HeForShe movement.

We value the differences that people bring from all backgrounds and communities. Regardless of age, sex, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression, disability, social status or religious belief, we would love to hear from you.

Please use the following links to find out more on Equality, Diversity and Inclusion at Surrey Police and Sussex Police