For the first time Northamptonshire Police has launched a direct entry detective scheme to try and attract more specialist investigators.

The Accelerated Detective Pathway (APD) scheme is a two year programme open to anyone with a 2:2 degree.

Last year Her Majesty's Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services (HMICFRS) PEEL assessment report was critical of the force’s ability at investigating crime, protecting vulnerable people and managing demand.

The force was judged to be “inadequate” in its effectiveness at investigating crime with a lack of supervision evident as well as a need for more scrutiny of investigatory standards.

It was also struggling to manage backlogs in open investigations and within the High Tech Crime Unit where delays in retrieving digital evidence were significantly longer than the national average.

The force says the new APD scheme is designed to compliment the internal detective selection processes, as well as opportunities for officers from other forces to transfer, and “aims to bring rapid support to investigators working in challenging fields.”

Those accepted on the scheme will be posted to CID by week 32 of the course. Between then and week 103, they will work towards Accredited Detective Status and be required to complete and pass the National Investigators Exam and Detective Training Course.

At the end of two years, once they pass, students will be confirmed into the rank of detective constable and also gain a Level 6 Diploma in Policing.

Those joining the programme will initially go through a written application and assessment centre. Applicants successful at final interview will undergo a medical assessment, fitness test and security check before a job offer will be made.

Detective Superintendent Paul Rymarz, head of CID, said:  “I want to be clear though, we expect the highest standards of our detectives and will therefore be looking for applications from individual who can demonstrate strong communication and decision-making skills. We’ll be looking for team players with leadership qualities, integrity and resilience.

“We have researched and developed a pathway that will look to produce credible detectives who will help us investigate some of our most serious and complex investigations.

“We hope that the campaign will bring in new and talented individuals that can help us make this county safer.”