Step into a career where every day counts
Step into a career where every day counts
As a Detective Constable, you’ll take on serious, complex cases, from fraud and domestic abuse to county lines and serious assaults. While you share the same rank as a Police Constable, your focus will be on uncovering the truth, analysing evidence, and solving cases. Once qualified, you’ll have the chance to specialise in areas like counter-terrorism, organised crime, and intelligence. You’ll secure key evidence early on and, through persistence, see offenders brought to justice, while supporting victims every step of the way. It’s a demanding, fast-paced role, but it’s also incredibly rewarding with a high level of job satisfaction. If you're driven, curious, and ready to follow every lead, we want you on our team!
Are you curious, determined, and have an eye for detail? Do you challenge assumptions and dig deeper for answers? If so, a career as a detective with Leicestershire Police could be perfect for you! Our Detective Programme offers a fresh path into this exciting role. The two-year programme prepares you to tackle serious and complex investigations, building your skills and confidence to become a fully qualified Detective Constable.
Briefing
Detective Sergeant sets out priorities for the day. Ensure you’re aligned with the team on the most pressing cases.
Voicemail from Victim’s Family
Receive a voicemail from the family of a sexual assault victim (case from last week). They believe they have new, useful leads that need to be followed up.
Case Updates
Catch up on emails and review previous cases to check for any updates over the past 24 hours. Stay on top of any new information or changes.
Return Call to Victim’s Family
Reassure the family that you’re actively looking into the new leads. Provide them with your mobile number for easier contact, giving them peace of mind.
Review Case Files
Take a closer look at the case files to plan the rest of the day. Schedule an interview with the primary suspect in the sexual assault case.
Search Warrant
New leads have come in. Meet with the Detective Sergeant and request a search warrant to collect more evidence.
Suspect Interview
Conduct the interview, sensing that the suspect has been coached and is lying. Need more evidence to move the case forward.
Collaborative Working
Receive a call from the Ops Team. Another burglary has occurred in the same area as a couple of ongoing cases. Update your notes and contact Police Support Services for possible CCTV footage.
Case File Updates
Update all case files with the latest notes. The paperwork will take a couple of hours, but it’s crucial to ensure everything is documented accurately. Once done, head home for a well-earned rest!
On appointment with no previous constable experience, the starting salary will be £31,164.
Pay increases annually; within seven years, if you remain at the rank of detective constable you can expect a salary of £50,256.
Starting as a Detective Constable, there are plenty of exciting paths you can take!
Rank Progression
Once you’ve successfully completed your probationary period, you have the opportunity to progress up through the following ranks.
Criminal Investigation Department (CID)
Carrying out pro-active and reactive investigations into complex serious and series crimes, ensuring evidence is secured and cases are fully investigated.
Supervisory Roles
With experience, detectives can progress to supervisory or management roles, such as Senior Investigating Officer (SIO) or strategic investigator.
Public Protection Unit
Working investigating child abuse or supporting major crime investigation as an investigator specialist interviewer or interview advisor, family liaison officer, or serious collision investigator.
Once you’ve successfully completed your probationary period, you have the opportunity to progress up through the following ranks.
Detective Constable
The starting rank for police officers.
Detective Sergeant
The first supervisory rank. Most sergeants are responsible for a team of constables.
Detective Inspector
Inspectors typically oversee a shift of constables and sergeants.
Detective Chief Inspector
Typically responsible for managing a department with a specific geographical area or for the delivery of a policing service.
Detective Superintendent
Typically responsible for a large department within Leicestershire Police, for example, Corporate Services or Specialist Operations Training.
Detective Chief Superintendent
Typically responsible for a specific function within Leicestershire Police, for example, Local Policing or Crime & Intelligence.
Assistant Chief Constable
Mainly responsible for a specific function or business area within Leicestershire Police, for example, Crime and Operations.
Deputy Chief Constable
Act as deputy for the Chief Constable, handling the running of Leicestershire Police and supporting the Chief Constable.
Chief Constable
Responsible for the effective running of Leicestershire Police.
As a detective, you’ll play a key role in solving crimes and bringing justice to victims. There’s a real sense of satisfaction in making your community safer and helping those affected by crime find closure. The job is like solving complex puzzles, using your critical thinking and problem-solving skills to uncover the truth. A truly rewarding challenge for those who love to think on their feet.
I thought I’d missed my chance to become a police officer - but I was wrong. Switching careers in my 30s was the best decision I’ve ever made. Now, as a detective tackling child criminal exploitation, I’m using every skill from my past to protect vulnerable young people. Policing is tough, but incredibly rewarding. It’s never too late to make a difference. Walking into headquarters that first day, I knew I was exactly where I was meant to be.
I joined policing for stability and fulfilment - and found purpose beyond anything I expected. As part of the rape investigation unit, I seek justice for victims and hold offenders accountable, which is incredibly rewarding. Growing up in Leicester’s diverse communities shaped me, and now I give back every day. The role is demanding, but the support is outstanding. It’s helped me grow in confidence and resilience. Behind every badge is a real person - and I’m proud of who I’ve become in this career. I’d recommend it in a heartbeat.”
In over 16 years, no two days have ever been the same - and that’s what I love most about policing. With countless roles from CID to firearms, every path offers something unique. I’ve felt genuinely supported by my managers to grow, take on new challenges, and pursue promotion through fast-track schemes. This career isn’t just a job - it’s a chance to experience incredible things, build lifelong friendships, and make a real difference. If you embrace it, it’s truly rewarding.
Want to learn what it's really like to be a police officer or detective? Join us to hear first-hand from serving officers, discover the recruitment process, and explore career opportunities with Leicestershire Police. Registration is easy – just check out the timetable below and sign up for the event you’d like to attend. After the event, we’ll share the application link with you to take the next step!
