Tia studied criminology at the University of Kent before joining the Police Now graduate programme. She now works as a detective constable for Hertfordshire Constabulary
What inspired you to pursue a career in the police?
I have always been someone who aspires to help people. I wanted to do that in a way which helps some of the most vulnerable people within our society.
Before joining the police, I also saw first-hand some negative interactions between the public and police officers. I like to think I can help be part of the positive change needed.
How did you get onto the Police Now graduate scheme?
To get on to the Police Now graduate scheme you need to have a degree - which can be in any subject, with a minimum 2:2 requirement.
The application process involved completing an online suitability form to check that I met all the initial requirements to be considered for the role. Then I completed an online test, which was a pass or fail. Once I passed this, I was invited to an online assessment centre. This assessment centre involved role play scenarios and interviews with assessors.
I was then told I was successful and assigned a dedicated Police Now recruitment officer, which was useful as they guided me through the whole process. I was required to undergo vetting, provide my university certificates, and complete a drugs test, and a fitness test. Once these were all completed, I received a final offer of employment.
What tasks do you complete day-to-day as a detective?
Some days, I help identify suspects through my investigations and conduct early morning arrest enquiries. Sometimes these arrest enquiries involve briefing firearms or specialist units, depending on the suspect. I will also interview suspects in custody after they have been arrested.
Other days, I spend a lot of time completing case files for the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) and continuing to liaise with them regarding cases.
I also speak to witnesses and victims of crime, to provide them with essential support and gather evidence and statements.
What part of your job brings you the most satisfaction?
Having the privilege of telling a victim of crime that a suspect is going to be charged. It's seeing that justice that brings me the most satisfaction.
Justice comes in many different forms, but for me, it's being at the end of a long shift getting a call from the CPS saying to go ahead with a charge for the suspect I have in custody.
What are the challenges?
There are often many roadblocks you'll face as a detective. This might be having gaps in your evidence, difficulties identifying a suspect, or not being able to charge a suspect. When you are passionate about the job and supporting victims, this can be frustrating.
Another big challenge is victims of crime who do not want to support the investigation, for different reasons. Trying to get them on board requires a lot of time, patience, understanding, and listening.
Detectives deal with intense situations. How do you strike a healthy work/life balance?
Speaking from personal experience, I have a positive relationship with my sergeant - I can speak to them about anything. Having good colleagues that I can speak with when I am having a bad day helps a lot, and I lean on my team when I need support.
What three skills should all good detectives possess?
patience
resilience
teamwork.
What type of person would suit this career?
Someone who is:
passionate about helping people,
not afraid of failure
not afraid of leading and getting stuck in
comfortable with making quick decisions.
What are your career ambitions?
During the Police Now programme, I experienced attachments to different units, which specialised in different types of criminal investigations. This helped me understand what type of policing I was most interested in. Within five years I see myself progressing to a major crime investigation team, which is the team that deals with murders and other serious crimes.
Can you debunk a myth about working as a detective?
The idea that we work long hours every day, back-to-back.
The job does have days where you will be required to work long hours or work early mornings and late nights - but this is not every day. The job is give-and-take; if we don't look after our own wellbeing then we won't have the capacity to do a great job for the people we serve.
For example, I have been on a long shift from 1pm to 9am to remand a violent offender, but I was not expected to come in the next day for my shift and was told to work from home and rest.
What advice can you give to others considering the Police Now scheme?
Don't be afraid to ask questions, whether you think they're silly or not. You will learn so much just from speaking to people and asking questions - whether that's your Police Now recruitment officer, other detectives on the programme, or your wider policing colleagues.
