While many are celebrating their A-levels today, 15 student detectives at Bedfordshire Police are also on their way to the next step in their careers, moving from classroom training to the frontline today.
The students are on the accelerated detective route where they will become qualified investigators in as little as two years.
They all come from a range of backgrounds too, with previous roles in retail, the prison service, education, and IT, while some have degrees in psychology and forensics.
Now initial training is over, they’ll be working with a tutor who will support and coach them through the different jobs they come across while responding to different incidents called in by the public.
They will also help deliver local priorities and take on workloads to help free up fully ranked officers so they can respond to 999 emergency calls.
Once they complete their fast-tracked officer training, they will join detective teams and start putting their investigative mindset to work.
Student Detective Redwan said: “It’s amazing to think that everyone in the cohort comes from different backgrounds and working experience and we have all come together with one common goal – making Bedfordshire safer.
“I am excited to get through initial training and start working in the real world. There are so many opportunities for me at Bedfordshire Police. I can climb the ranks, specialise, and work in different teams, all as a detective.
“My favourite part of the training was interviewing suspects and witnesses and learning how to deal with different answers. It was an exciting insight into what we will face when we begin our detective training.”
Inspector Vicky Stoughton, who is from the force’s people and workforce team, said: “The students celebrating today have had a lot to learn and will continue learning every day. It is a tough transition and learning process but it’s well worth it when they can say they’ve saved a life or put a criminal behind bars.
“Today is also a day for students receiving their A Levels and time to decide about the future. If you’re worried about your results, university placements or university debt, policing is a good option for you.
“We have a route where we will fund your degree in policing, with Anglia Ruskin University, and you will earn a wage of £30k per year, starting from your first day. This is perfect for anyone who wants to earn a degree while starting an exciting and fruitful career.”
