Twenty trainee detectives are the first to join Derbyshire Constabulary on a new fast-track training route.

The new approach cuts down the time it usually takes to become a detective, which traditionally sees officers working towards their investigative qualifications after two years in frontline uniformed roles.

The group, which includes a former prison officer, an ex-military candidate and a former solicitor, will spend the next 20 weeks in the classroom before continuing their learning on the front line.

They will first spend time with uniformed officers, gaining the knowledge and skills needed by all police officers, before moving into the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) within months of joining.

Once there, they will work towards Accredited Detective Status, working with a tutor to complete a portfolio of work and gain their detective qualifications while working on real cases.

Frances Ross, one of the new recruits, said: "I came to a point in my life when my children were getting older and it was time for me to start thinking about where to pick up my career again. I considered whether to carry on with my legal career or have a complete change in direction.

"I chose this route because I wanted a rigorous and challenging career - joining this route offered me the legal aspects of my previous career, as a solicitor, that I relished but in a new direction and with exciting challenges.

“I'm really looking forward to learning new skills as a detective constable, pushing myself out of my comfort zone and feeling a sense of accomplishment knowing that each day I contribute to our community. I'm proud to be part of Derbyshire Constabulary and I look forward to a very rewarding career.”

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