Sussex Police Launch Fast-Track Detective Programme
Sussex Police has kicked off its brand-new fast-track detective development programme this week, welcoming 19 trailblazing trainee officers. These recruits are among the first nationwide to enrol in the two-year Detective Constable Degree-Holder Entry Programme (DHEP), designed to fast-track specialist detective training.
New Recruits Join Forces with Chief Constable and PCC
Alongside 28 fresh recruits starting the Police Constable Degree Apprenticeship, the 47 new officers were officially welcomed during an attestation ceremony on Tuesday, 29 September. Chief Constable Jo Shiner and Police & Crime Commissioner Katy Bourne met the officers personally.
“It was a pleasure to welcome these 47 new officers to the force,” said Chief Constable Jo Shiner. “Sussex Police, through collaboration with the University of Cumbria, is one of the first forces to launch this fast-track DHEP programme. These new entry routes make policing careers more accessible and help us build a diverse and skilled workforce for 21st Century challenges.”
Meeting Modern Policing Demands
Shiner highlighted the evolving crime landscape, saying: “As crime and technology evolve, investigative roles are more crucial than ever. From tackling cyber crime to safeguarding vulnerable people, we’re investing heavily in recruiting and developing detectives.”
She added: “All 47 officers will join frontline response teams in December to hone essential policing skills before specialization. We’re excited to see their careers unfold.”
Trainees Focus on Specialised, Impactful Roles
The trainee detectives will spend their first 30 weeks working alongside other recruits, then focus on investigations. Over two years, they work towards a Diploma in Professional Policing Practice and accreditation as detectives, before joining investigation teams or safeguarding units across Sussex.
Several recruits shared their ambitions:
- PC Alicia Smith aims to protect vulnerable people through safeguarding investigation units. “I was inspired by detectives’ dedication to victims,” she said.
- PC Imogene Robinson, a former Border Force officer with a criminology degree, wants to tackle major, serious and complex crime.
- PC Hannah Richards, a Regional Pride of Britain award winner, channels personal tragedy into helping victims and preventing suicides.
- PC Laura Duke, with Middle East UK Border Agency experience, volunteers supporting domestic and sexual abuse victims, seeking justice for victims.
- PC Jaimine Shahid, starting the three-year police constable degree apprenticeship, said: “Today is the biggest day of my life… I want to inspire other BAME individuals to join the police and help break down barriers.”
Policing Future Proofed for 21st Century
Sussex Police & Crime Commissioner Katy Bourne praised the pioneering recruitment scheme: “Chief Constable Shiner is preparing Sussex Police for every challenge in modern policing. These fast-tracked detectives will be rigorously trained to take on the toughest criminals.”
“It was inspiring to see their enthusiasm and determination to make a lasting difference,” Bourne added.
University Partnership Delivers Cutting-Edge Training
The programme, delivered in partnership with the University of Cumbria and other universities in the Police Education Consortium, blends hands-on experience with academic learning. Gary Slater, Principal Lecturer for Policing at Cumbria, said:
“We’re proud to collaborate with Sussex Police to deliver the fast-track DHEP and the Police Constable Degree Apprenticeship. Over the next three years, we’ll help train more than 1,000 new police recruits across southeast England, raising policing training to professional standards similar to nursing and teaching.”
