First trainees on course to being police detectives

TWO-YEAR PROGRAMME RUN BY FORCE WITH UNIVERSITY

THIRTY-TWO trainee detectives have been sworn in as part of the police’s first graduate detective scheme with De Montfort University.

A teacher, financial investigator, and prison officer are among the recruits ready to start the two-year programme which will equip them with the skills and training necessary to become a detective constable serving with the Leicestershire force.

The first year will see recruits undertake uniformed elements of the job at training school, before being placed in CID in their second year.

Caroline Thompson, senior HR business partner and project lead for Op Cluedo, said: “We have spent 15 months designing the force’s first detective graduate entry programme and I am so proud of it. It will support the force with the shortage of detectives, allow our current detectives to be released into other roles.”

Tracey Willetts, senior lecturer and a former police inspector, said: “The programme offers an exciting new route into policing.”

Yusuf Foolat is to join the force after graduating from Loughborough University this year.

He said: “Starting at Leicestershire Police begins a new chapter in my life and I hope to use all my experiences in order to be my best possible self.

“I will be able to come in with a fresh perspective in the world we now live in and become part of the new generation of policing.”

Yazmeen Jordan leaves behind her role as a prison officer. She said: “Serving and protecting people is in my nature and bringing people to justice is what will keep me focused and driven.

“As a prison officer, I worked alongside the security department to provide intelligence and investigate issues and now I want to dedicate my career to doing this.”

Detective Chief Superintendent Shane O’Neill said: “It is fantastic to see this entry route being introduced and so much in demand.

“I am really looking forward to seeing this cohort’s experiences adding to our current investigators, to help bring offenders to justice and protect those at risk.”

A further 24 recruits will be taken on in May.