Career progression

After successfully completing two years as a probationary constable, police officers can work towards Sergeant’s exams.

However, promotion is not the only way to develop a career in the police - our range of police work allows officers to train in specialist areas, or to develop their capabilities in core policing activities.

The following roles are an example of the opportunities available to you when you join Devon and Cornwall Constabulary:

Response officer

Response officers are often the first to the scene of a crime or incident. They provide fast, targeted resources, as and when they are required. They really are the front line the Force.

Neighbourhood beat constable

Neighbourhood beat constables or ‘managers’ are encouraged to become an integral part of the community they serve, building and maintaining relationships with local people, schools and businesses.

Traffic officer

One of the main duties as a traffic officer is to help reduce accidents on our roads. Monitoring roadworks, investigating hazardous chemical transporters, attending accidents and patrolling motorways are just a few examples of their work.

Firearms officer

Dangerous weapons can unfortunately pose a very real threat in our communities. Our firearms officers are highly trained to deal with any armed situation although this is always a last resort and these officers only act when there is a real danger to members of the public or other officers.

TAG officer (Tactical Aid Group)

Specialist jobs require the use of specialist equipment. TAG officers have a huge amount of expertise and are among the most highly trained in the Force. Their work includes fingertip searches, forced entry and house-to-house enquires. TAG is also the home of the Force Underwater Search Unit.

Police air observer

The Forces BK117 helicopter is a regular sight in the skies above Devon and Cornwall. Our air observers play a key role in the management of incidents by providing a birds eye view of any situation and making a valuable contribution in missing persons searches, the rapid transportation of officers and equipment and in casualty evacuation. Our Air Operations Unit is made up of civilian pilots and police air observers.

Dog handler

In many situations a nose is the most effective tool for the job - especially at night or in reduced visibility. Our police dogs are used primarily to track offenders and search for drugs or explosives. The Force has one of the largest dog sections in the country with dogs and their handlers attending around 6,000 incidents each year.

Criminal investigation department

CID officers focus on the detection of crimes and offenders. Their duties range from investigating burglaries and assaults to major incidents such as murder enquires. Their work is often the result of days, months or even years of dedicated professionalism. A good detective requires a sharp eye for detail, an excellent memory and the ability to judge character.

Youth interventions officers

Youth intervention officers work in schools as part of the curriculum and also within the local community. Their work involves helping children to develop the skills needed to avoid confrontational or dangerous situations and the organisation of diversionary activities for young people in conjunction with partner agencies.

High potential development scheme

The High Potential Development Scheme (HPDS) is aimed at Constables and Sergeants who display exceptional potential to reach senior officer level. Places are limited and extremely competitive.

The scheme is a structured programme which incorporates academic study, resulting in a nationally recognised Masters qualification. It uses a range of innovative approaches to challenge and equip future leaders. Participants will be one of 80 nationally, and as such, they must consistently demonstrate the desire, commitment and potential to reach senior officer levels.

The HPDS is designed to be as flexible as possible and support you through your professional development to enable you to have the necessary skills and practical experience to become a future manager in the Force.

For further information on the HPDS within Devon and Cornwall Police, please contact the Force representative Rachel Palmer on 01392 452630, or alternatively you can visit the National Police Improvement Agency website at: www.npia.police.uk/hpds.