Federation blasts CID direct entry scheme

THE first of a new breed of detectives are expected to be recruited in North Wales in the next few weeks, but the move has not been welcomed by the Police Federation.

North Wales Police is one of eight forces chosen to take part in a pilot scheme through which new recruits can join CID without having gained any experience as uniformed bobbies. The government has provided extra funding for the experiment.

It is not known how many will be taken on initially in the region but Simon Newport, chair of the North Wales Police Federation, has “grave concerns”.

Reflecting the views of the Federation nationally, he said he accepted there were plenty of people outside policing who, with the necessary training, could go on to be effective detectives.

“But, historically, detectives have come from within the ranks of police forces and have rightfully learned their trade after several years of response policing whereby they have developed their skills,” he said.

“They know the police, they have cut their teeth, they know the demographic society they work and live in, they know the issues prevalent in their area and, most of all, they have experience and know how policing works.”

PC Newport said becoming an effective detective took time and the Government and Home Office was merely trying to “put a plaster over a gaping wound that has been haemorrhaging great people for many years”.

He said existing ambitious officers should be given the opportunities to climb the ranks.

The Federation also claims the concept degreelevel education is now required to be a police officer is flawed, saying experience of life and other skills is more important.

Head of training and development Julie Brierley said: “We are responding to a national skills gap. All forces have a shortage of detectives and this is part of the solution to build resilience.

“This does not prevent constables applying to be detectives through the traditional process and we are recruiting internally too.

“There are 10 direct entry detective applicants going through pre-employment checks who will start training in the autumn and, if successful, should be in post by January 2020.”