Police detective job- anyone got any advice?

[Solace123]

The fast track pathway to become a DC has opened up in my county. I watched their webinar last night but it was more about the recruitment process.
I want to know more about the job day to day. Can anyone give any advice about the job or know someone who does the job?
What is it like daily? What are the shift patterns like? Are the police good with parent caring responsibilities? Do they offer any flexibility on shifts if you have kids.
In the programme you also have to do 18 weeks independent patrol. I'd feel nervous about it. Im only a small woman, am I expected to wrestle fully grown men double my size to arrest them if they resist?
It looks like an interesting role. I currently work in child safeguarding so have some background in one of the policing areas that I could be a part of.
I think it's best to hear from people who work in the job though to get a better feel.

I understand
I disagree
🤷‍♀️

What do you do @Blottum?
as always with any thread about policing someone always comes on to have a dig.

Totally agree with Serencwtch.
Having worked in the public, private and then 20 years in the police I whole hearty agree. Its one of the few occupations who can quite legally own not only your work life but your free time and family life. The clock doesn't stop at 5pm

Maybe Blottum could volunteer as a special constable to get a feel. We always welcome an extra pair of hands. Its a massive eye opener about the types of incidents you get sent, with very few resources and the impact it has on family and your home life. Except a special constable is never going to get rest days and annual leave cancelled or kept on after duty, any job would just get passed to the regular officer to continue with.

Disagree with what?

Fact is being an employee and serving in police /armed forces are completely different legally.

A “dig”

good grief. Sensitive souls are the police it would seem

You didn’t answer my question @Blottum

PMSL that someone is comparing a job as a manager in the private sector with the working conditions of being in the police.

That said, how realistic are those fly on the wall documentaries when the detectives walk down the corridor in front of a prisoner? Every time we watch one we’re shouting at the TV!!

What do you mean? Are you training to always walk behind?

In secure units we were always taught not to walk in front of patients as it leaves you vulnerable to attack, likewise walking with hands in pockets.

Did you go for it @Solace123

Anyone got any good ideas for questions to ask in detective job interview?

I’d be interested to know too @Solace123 if you don’t mind

DS did the graduate detective fast track - he started 5 years ago and is now in specialist crimes. He said the graduate course/training was very poor and he started the actual job completely unprepared. It was a steep learning learning curve when he started on borough and basically sink or swim. The drop out rate is very high as there isn't much support. Only 4 of 20 (I think) of his cohort are still in the job. Having said that, he really enjoys specialist crime, feels he is doing something worthwhile, has learnt lots of new skills and seems to work with decent people. From what he has said, he seems to have been lucky with line managers and placements - some of his colleagues have had negative experiences

I'm a 13 year detective and desperate to leave. The job is indeed fucked.

Can I ask what force your ds did his training in?

My friend did the fast track DC route, she is very fit, she got punched in the face a fair few times, think black eyes, broken cheek bone. After initial period she got a DC role in a terrible area, covering rapes, child sex abuse cases and murders, she was flattered into that role and it ruined her, she has left, has CPTSD and a hatred of men. Her longest shift was 19 hours

Friend's DH is a uniformed sergeant in a rural and fairly naice county.

Their plans and her work are disrupted with little notice at least a couple of times a year due to cancellation of his rest days, shift changes etc, often because they have to help other forces due to major events, riots etc.

DM me, I know a lot about the Direct Entry Detective programmes across many forces.