How to Become a Detective in the UK Police
Two routes into detective work — transfer from uniform or Direct Entry Detective Constable. Understand PIP levels, the NIE exam, ICIDP training, specialist departments, and the full career ladder.
Unofficial independent resource — always verify with official sources (College of Policing, your force, PFEW).
Routes into Detective Work
There are two main ways to become a detective in UK policing. The transfer from uniform is the standard route; Direct Entry is less common and force-specific.
After a minimum of 2 years as a uniform Police Constable and completion of your PCDA or DHEP, you can apply for a detective vacancy within your force. Acceptance depends on operational need and available CID postings. You then complete the Investigator Development Programme.
Advantages
Considerations
Some forces offer a direct entry route for external candidates to join straight into a detective role. You undertake a specialist training programme alongside an Integrated Competency and Values Assessment (ICVA). Not all forces run this scheme — availability is limited.
Advantages
Considerations
PIP Levels Explained
The Professionalising Investigation Programme (PIP) is the national framework for accrediting investigators in UK policing. There are four levels.
| Level | Name | Scope | Assessment |
|---|---|---|---|
PIP 1 | Volume Crime Investigation | Day-to-day crime: theft, assault, domestic abuse, road crime | Portfolio evidence and supervisor sign-off |
PIP 2 | Serious and Complex Crime | Serious crime: sexual offences, serious violence, organised crime, complex fraud | National Investigators Exam (NIE) + ICIDP portfolio |
PIP 3 | Major and Organised Crime | Major crime, murder, organised crime networks, national operations | Application of learning, senior portfolio, force review panel |
PIP 4 | Strategic Leadership of Investigations | Force-level strategic oversight of major investigations | Assessed at ACPO/chief officer level |
NIE and ICIDP Training
National Investigators Exam (NIE)
The NIE is a nationally standardised written exam that tests knowledge of criminal law, evidence, and the investigation process. Passing it is required for PIP 2 accreditation. It covers topics including PACE 1984, CPIA 1996, human rights, disclosure, and interview strategy. The exam is administered by the College of Policing.
ICIDP — Investigators Career and Investigative Development Programme
The ICIDP (previously called the ICIDP or IDL — Investigators Development Learning) is the structured training programme that detective constables undertake to achieve PIP 2 accreditation. It combines classroom learning, e-learning modules, and a portfolio of evidence demonstrating investigation skills in the workplace. Typically takes 12–18 months to complete alongside operational detective work.
Note: Programme names, structures, and requirements are updated periodically by the College of Policing. Always verify current requirements with your force professional development unit.
Types of Detective Work
The core of detective work. Investigates serious crime, manages case files, conducts interviews, and manages informants. The most common starting point for new detectives.
Investigates financial fraud, money laundering, cyber-enabled fraud, and corporate crime. In-demand skill set — often benefits from accounting or finance backgrounds.
Investigates offences committed online or using digital devices. Works with digital forensics teams and specialist units such as ROCU and NCA.
Works with victims of child abuse and exploitation. Includes the Child Abuse Investigation Team (CAIT) and Online Child Exploitation investigations. Requires specialised training.
Investigates murders, serious sexual offences, and complex serious crime. Works in dedicated Major Crime Teams. PIP 2 or 3 typically required.
Works on terrorism investigations, often alongside MI5 and the National Counter Terrorism Policing (NCTP) network. Requires additional national security vetting (SC or DV level).
Detective Pay and Allowances
Detectives are paid on the standard police pay scale for their rank. In addition, most forces pay a Detective Supplement of approximately £1,260 per year to officers serving in a detective capacity.
The detective supplement is subject to ongoing national pay negotiations. Some forces pay additional allowances for specialist detective roles (e.g., counter-terrorism, CEOP). Check your force's pay supplement policy.
Detective Career Progression
Detective Constable (DC)
Entry point for detective role
PC scale + detective supplement (~£1,260/yr)
Detective Sergeant (DS)
Manages investigations and junior detectives
Sergeant scale + detective supplement
Detective Inspector (DI)
Leads investigation teams
Inspector scale + detective supplement
Detective Chief Inspector (DCI)
Heads major inquiry teams
Chief Inspector scale + supplement
Detective Superintendent (Det Supt)
Strategic lead on major crime units
Superintendent scale + supplement
A Day in the Life of a Detective
Detective shifts vary significantly by unit. CID typically works day-focussed hours with on-call arrangements; major crime teams may work extended hours on live investigations.