CHESHIRE Police has launched a new scheme which will allow participants to become a detective in only two years.

The force has created its first ‘fast track detective programme’, with applications now being taken.

Assistant chief constable Matt Burton said: “The traditional path to becoming a detective constable would see you join as a uniformed police officer first and then consider a detective career path at a later date in your policing career.

“However, we are now giving you the chance to move directly into a trainee detective constable role following on from your initial officer training.

“Being a detective is not only challenging, it is extremely rewarding.

“Detectives investigate anything from domestic abuse, fraud, robbery, child protection, cyber crime, serious assaults, organised crime, right the way through to high level drugs importation and serious organised crime.

“We have designed this entry route programme to equip you with the right knowledge and resources to support you in becoming an accredited detective.

“This is a fantastic opportunity for the force to bring in a diverse and talented group of people who can bring their unique life skills to the role to help make Cheshire safer.”

The first batch of recruits will begin their training in June, with the deadline for applicants coming on Sunday, January 24.

Cheshire police and crime commissioner David Keane added: “Working for Cheshire Constabulary provides an excellent opportunity to play a major part in keeping Cheshire one of the safest places in the UK to live, work and visit.

“This is a fantastic, unique training programme for anybody who is passionate about protecting their communities and seeking justice to train as a detective and become part of the wider Cheshire Police family.

“I look forward to seeing how this programme and the new recruits contribute to making our communities safer.”