There needs to be a national conversation about incentivising officers to become detectives, the Chair of South Yorkshire Police Federation has said.<\/p>\n
Steve Kent was speaking following the Police Federation National Detective Forum\u2019s virtual seminar on 13 June. The seminar heard ongoing concerns about the wellbeing, retention and recruitment of investigators across the police service.<\/p>\n
Steve said: \u201cTwenty-two years ago, when I joined the job, it was a badge of honour to be a detective, and it was really competitive. Now it feels like the organisation is desperate for people to be detectives.<\/p>\n
\u201cThat means we might not get the right people in, because I think it takes a certain mindset to be a detective. I couldn\u2019t do it, and I marvel at the work they do. They are incredible with their attention to detail and organisation skills.<\/p>\n
\u201cBut they\u2019re not recognised for it. Detectives are used to working ridiculous hours, they\u2019re used to putting their family life on hold if a murder comes in.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe need to start having a conversation nationally, not just in our force, about incentivising people to be detectives. I\u2019m wary of bonuses, because I think they\u2019re divisive. But a national incentive to do the training to be a detective might be a good idea to get the numbers up.\u201d<\/p>\n