We are seeking motivated and committed Police Constables who are ready to take the next step in their investigative career.

Eligible officers must: 

• Have a minimum of 15 months’ service with a completed FOC, OR
• Have a minimum of 18 months’ service without a completed FOC OR
• Have completed both probationary period and FOC

Please note, due to current operational requirements and resourcing, this intake is open to South, West & HQ officers only.

As a Trainee Detective, you will play a key part in investigating serious and complex crime. Your responsibilities will include:

• Identifying, locating, and interviewing suspects in serious and complex cases
• Obtaining best evidence from witnesses and victims
• Leading and supporting investigations and operations
• Attending crime scenes and gathering vital information
• Preparing and presenting evidence in court
• Producing high‑quality statements, reports, and prosecution files
• Building and maintaining key internal and external partnerships
• Identifying crime patterns and trends to support local and force-wide crime reduction strategies

Further information is available in the attached job specification.

Officers wishing to join the Trainee Detective Intake 2026 should submit an application by Monday 9th March 2026 at 10am.

As part of the process, Detective Superintendent Tim Brown will be hosting a number of Microsoft Teams briefings to outline the role of a Detective within Lancashire Constabulary and explain the recruitment process. The briefings will take place on (Please note, you will only need to attend ONE of these briefings):

• Tuesday 3rd March 2026 at 3pm
• Tuesday 10th March 2026 at 3pm
• Thursday 19th March 2026 at 3pm

To book your place and receive the Teams link for one of the sessions, please email: Recruitment@lancashire.police.uk in the first instance. 

Following the application process, all eligible candidates will be invited to a face‑to‑face interview at Hutton Headquarters the week commencing Monday 23rd March. Please note, Trainee Detective application forms do not undertake the papersift process. 

Interview dates and times will be allocated by the Force Resourcing Unit (FRU) based on operational needs, duties and annual leave and will be reflected on DMS.

Officers still within their probationary period (2 years) will be subject to the necessary attendance and performance checks conducted by the HR People Partners prior to interview.

All officers will also undergo PSD checks prior to being invited to interview and again before appointment if successful at the interview stage. 

Candidates will be assessed against the Competency and Values Framework (CVF) 2024 – Level 1 throughout the interview process.

Successful applicants will be required to work the agreed rota pattern for their allocated post and will be required to successfully pass and complete the National Investigators Exam (NIE) within 12 months of starting in role.

Once appointed, officers will begin an 18-month competency‑based training programme.

All officers on the programme will be subject to the PIP2 Accreditation Policy - please read the attached document, which outlines expectations for Trainee Detectives and PIP2 candidates, and ensure you are in a personal position to commence this pathway.

If you require any further information regarding the Trainee Detective pathway, please contact Detective Inspector Amanda Henson, or contact one of your local Basic Command Unit (BCU) SPoCs: 

• South: DS Iain Mellis 
• West: DS Jade Mason