A NEW fast track programme to get more detectives into forces is an \u2018insult\u2019 to existing investigators and won\u2019t solve the crisis in the sector, says the Police Federation of England and Wales.<\/p>\n
The 12-week scheme will be led by police graduate recruitment programme Police Now and has the backing of South Wales Chief Constable and National Lead of Investigative Resilience Matt Jukes.<\/p>\n
He said the programme, aimed at graduates, would bring a \u2018diverse and talented group of people\u2019 into investigative policing.<\/p>\n
Its goal is to recruit 1,000 more investigators over the next five years in a bid to reduce the national 5,000 shortfall in England and Wales.<\/p>\n
Karen Stephens, secretary of the PFEW\u2019s National Detective Forum, said the new plans were not the answer to the crisis.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis news is an insult to the experienced hard-working detectives that we have left in service.<\/p>\n
“Detective policing is in crisis and our colleagues are struggling to cope with heavy workloads and increasing demand but another \u2018direct entry scheme\u2019 is not the answer.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe service and the public deserve better than detective officers who will be trained \u2018in a matter of months\u2019.<\/p>\n
\u201cLet\u2019s not forget that detective officers deal with the most depraved and complex of crimes \u2013 this requires experience.<\/p>\n
\u201cAlso, new, inexperienced detectives will require a lot of supervision, putting extra pressure on those already in service.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhat about encouraging officers we already have in service to move into investigative policing?<\/p>\n
\u201cWhat about making detective policing a desired career choice? What about listening to the practitioners and voice of the service?\u201d she added.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe answer is not to disregard the skills and experience we already have or show complete disrespect for officers who have worked hard to become investigators.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhilst we welcome any new investment in policing, this appears to be divisive and ill-conceived. A direct entry scheme will serve to shatter morale even more and do nothing to instil public confidence and trust,\u201d she added.<\/p>\n
Matt Jukes said the scheme has been designed to reflect the changing face of crime.<\/p>\n
\u201cCrime is changing, we need people who are going to be cyber investigators, who can deal with a massive amount of information that’s coming through social media,” he said.<\/p>\n
He added said that new detectives would work on crime and robbery cases at the beginning of their training, rather than more complex cases.<\/p>\n
“We must recognise they’re working under enormous pressure, this is the opportunity to bring in a diverse and talented group of people.\u201d<\/p>\n
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