Police Staff Investigators

Policing is a career like no other. Our police officers, police staff and volunteers show courage, teamwork and compassion on a daily basis to make a real difference to people’s lives in the communities they serve.

Maybe you’ve got a talent for problem solving, but haven’t yet quite found the career for you. Why not use your skills for the good of your community?

Police Staff Investigators

Policing is a career like no other. Our police officers, police staff and volunteers show courage, teamwork and compassion on a daily basis to make a real difference to people’s lives in the communities they serve.

Maybe you’ve got a talent for problem solving, but haven’t yet quite found the career for you. Why not use your skills for the good of your community?

Do you have the skills we are looking for?

We look for all kinds of skills, because we know it takes all kinds of people to protect the public. Problem solving, compassion, resilience, respect, courage and teamwork. These are the qualities we are looking for, and if you think you might have the Skills to Serve get in touch or sign up for our job alerts.

Police Staff Investigators

Police Staff Investigator (PSI) trainees solve cases, just like any other officer. The main difference is you’ll be focused on investigating crime rather than other elements of police work. There’s a comprehensive six-week, classroom-based introduction to complete first, and then a set period of mentoring and assessment as you get to grips with live work.


You’ll use your skills to determine which laws have been broken, devise and execute investigative strategies, and go on to prosecute offenders. Some cases you’ll work alone, others alongside other PSIs, police constables and detectives. And on any day, you could be taking a statement, searching a premises, reviewing CCTV, interviewing a prisoner – even giving evidence in court.  

There’s a clear progression path, too. The team will support you as you study to become an experienced PIP1 investigator and to then diversify into other specialist investigation teams. You might even go on to enhance your skills further and become a PIP2 investigator, which means you can take on responsibilities like a detective constable and be ready to take on weightier cases

To see what it’s like to work in one of our Investigation Centres, please watch our Insight into CID video.

PSI recruitment is currently closed. To sign up for job alerts click here.

More about the skills you’ll need

Empathy and a sharp mind are naturally important. Equally, you’ll be a confident communicator in person and on paper. More practically, we’re looking for at least three QCF Level 2 passes (GCSEs), including Maths and English, or relevant experience that’ll help you in the field.

You must also hold a full driving licence, be 18 or over, and either a British Citizen, EU member state passport holder, or foreign national resident free from restrictions.