New trainee detectives join Devon and Cornwall Police through national programme

19 newly trained detectives have joined Devon and Cornwall Police as part of a national initiative to bring fresh talent and diversity into policing.

The officers are among 72 new recruits across five police forces taking part in the latest intake of Police Now’s National Graduate Programme, a groundbreaking two-year scheme that fast-tracks graduates into detective roles. The programme also supports forces including Avon and Somerset, Wiltshire, Humberside and West Midlands Police.

The arrival of the new recruits marks the end of 13 weeks of intensive residential training at Police Now’s national academy, where participants develop the skills needed to begin frontline policing. The Devon and Cornwall cohort will now join response teams to gain real-world experience before moving into Criminal Investigation Departments (CIDs) to tackle complex cases and support victims of crime.

Millie Tanner, Police Now’s Head of Academy, praised the new detectives’ commitment: “This incredibly diverse cohort of new officers all bring such unique experiences and perspectives to the frontline, which will further support and better represent the communities they now serve. It’s inspiring to see how hard they have worked during their academy training, and how much they have already demonstrated their passion, commitment, and resilience.

“Police Now is committed to supporting them throughout the two-year programme and beyond, so they can seek justice for victims of crime and make the biggest impact they can. They are embarking on a truly challenging and rewarding career, where they will make a real difference to people’s lives.”

Police Now, recognised as one of the Times Top 100 Graduate Employers, was instrumental in pioneering direct-entry detective training across England and Wales. The programme is particularly successful in attracting individuals who might not have otherwise considered policing as a career.

Of the 72 new detectives joining today, 69% are women – nearly double the national police workforce average of 35.4%. This represents a significant step forward in efforts to diversify the force and build police teams that better reflect the communities they serve.

Devon and Cornwall Police, which covers one of the largest policing areas in England, has consistently been an active participant in Police Now’s programmes. With ongoing challenges ranging from rural crime to county lines drug operations and seasonal tourism pressures, the force stands to benefit greatly from this fresh wave of highly trained and motivated detectives.

The 2025 cohort will also include 73 more officers joining specialist branches such as counter-terrorism and economic crime, while a separate neighbourhood policing intake is expected to begin later this summer.

As the new detectives begin their work in Devon and Cornwall, their training, diverse backgrounds, and community-focused mission are expected to strengthen the region’s policing efforts and improve outcomes for victims of crime.