Direct entry detective training: challenges and opportunities

This paper explores some of the findings from action research presenting the experiences of direct entry detectives. The paper analyses the role of training and education in police work with specific reference to criminal investigation and the training of detectives. The rollout of direct entry programmes has provoked a range of responses and questioned the sustainability of the route into some police services. This paper argues that a variety of entry routes into detective work can be beneficial to the professionalisation of investigation but there are substantial challenges to ensuring direct entry and similar routes into detectives roles is a sustainable method of recruitment and development.