Guidance

Detective Chief Inspector – Crime Command

Updated 23 December 2024

Join the Ministry of Defence Police as Detective Chief Inspector (DCI) within our Crime Command department, where you’ll play a pivotal role in leading complex criminal investigations and shaping the future of defence policing. This exceptional opportunity offers the chance to lead specialist teams, develop strategic partnerships, and ensure the highest standards of criminal investigation across Ministry of Defence establishments throughout the UK.

Role type

Detective Chief Inspector – Crime Command

Substantive or on promotion (Permanent)

Salary

£64,134 - £66,690

Hours

40 hours

Location

MDP Headquarters, RAF Wyton, Huntingdon

Qualifications

Previous experience in MDP Crime Command is not essential, however applicants will need to have extensive investigative experience and hold a minimum of PIP 2 accreditation.

Eligibility

Serving police officers and police officers who have recently left policing (within 36 months) are invited to apply.

Applicants seeking substantive recruitment must have served in the rank of Detective Chief Inspector or higher for a minimum of 12 months.

Applicants should be able to evidence a credible and relevant policing record detailing their experience.     

Applicants must be a sole British National and British Passport holder and willing to undergo security vetting clearance to Developed Vetting level. Applicants will also be subject to police vetting at management level. 

Applicants will be required to pass a multistage fitness test to level 5.4 (15m test) in line with the National Role Profile fitness level applicable to the role/rank.

Applicants must hold a UK manual driving licence with no more than 6 live penalty points.

Job description

As DCI Operations within the MDP Crime Command, you will be a key member of the senior leadership team, working directly with the Head of Crime Command to develop strategic direction and maintain operational excellence. This senior middle management role involves coordinating multiple teams of sworn Constables, Sergeants, Inspectors and Police civilian staff, while managing specific geographical or functional responsibilities across our diverse policing services.

Key accountabilities

• Lead and oversee the delivery of Crime Command Operational Investigations, ensuring compliance with law and policy.
• Develop and implement strategic direction, standards and operational procedures for MDP Criminal Investigation capability.
• Build and maintain crucial strategic relationships with MOD stakeholders, Law Enforcement partners and prosecution authorities across England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland.
• Provide direct line management to Crime Command Operational Investigative staff (both police and civilian personnel).
• Oversee the Crime Command Business Management Unit, ensuring efficient operation of support functions.
• Act as deputy to Detective Superintendent when required.
• Uphold and promote organisational standards across all areas of responsibility.
• Contribute to the development of strategic policy and procedure within Crime Command.

Application

Information session

The MDP Deputy Chief Constable, Kier Pritchard will be hosting a one-hour online information session at 1pm on 9 January 2025 for those interested in applying.

Register to join the information session.

Registration closes at 10am on 8 January 2025. 

An email with a link to the session will then be sent to you.

Application pack

Please email [email protected] (also copying in [email protected]) to request an application pack by 10 January 2025.

Application submission

Closing date for submitting applications: 12pm on 17 January 2025.

Interviews will be held at either MDP HQ, RAF Wyton or via Teams, during the week commencing 24 February 2025.

Medical and fitness tests for successful candidates will take place at locations and dates to be confirmed. Successful candidates will be expected to take up appointment as soon as is practicable.

Pay and benefits

Annual leave

All officers receive a minimum of 22 days’ paid annual leave, rising to 30 days a year after 20 years’ service.

You can also expect other forms of leave, including maternity, paternity and adoption leave, special leave (with or without pay) and parental leave.

Length in service	Leave entitlement
Less than 2 years	22 days (176 hours)
2 years or more	25 days (200 hours)
10 or more years	27 days (216 hours)
15 or more years	28 days (224 hours)
20 or more years	30 days (240 hours)

Pension

Our officers are automatically opted into the Principal Civil Service Pension Scheme (ALPHA). You will contribute between 4.6% and 8.05%, depending on your earnings, with contributions from the MOD at 28.97%.

Discounts and offers

All employees of the MDP are entitled to a range of discounts through the Defence Discount Service and/or the Blue Light Card scheme.

There are also several other benefits that may be available to you as part of the wider Civil Service including Cycle to Work, salary advances and interest free travel loans. Discover the range of Civil Service benefits.

Wellbeing and fitness

We’re committed to supporting the wellbeing of our people and we understand that people perform best when they feel comfortable and can be themselves. We offer all staff access to:

• trained Mental Health First Aiders throughout the Force, to listen and signpost suitable guidance when staff need support
• the Employee Assistance Programme - a 24-hour helpline available every day of the year, providing emotional support, guidance, and advice on a wide range of issues
• Headfit - an online tool designed to help defence people stay mentally fit and on top of their game at work and at home
• an occupational health team to provide guidance and advice in relation to the annual medical process and other health related issues for safety critical posts
• fitness provisions, including gyms, fitness instructors and a Force dietitian
• staff networks
• guidance advice and support to represent your needs available from the Defence Police Federation
• operational staff can access the Defence Occupational Fitness Programme (DOfit) - this best practise health behaviour change supports programme, developed in partnership with Public Health England, is designed to support MOD and service personnel

Sports

We encourage all our staff to keep fit and healthy, and fitness is an operational requirement for officers.

Membership to the CSSC Sports and Leisure is open to all in Defence and provides several ways to stay active as well as savings on gym memberships.

Many stations have gym facilities, and we have a Force sports association that offers support to staff taking part in competitive opportunities. Our officers take part in Police Sport UK initiatives and Defence sporting events, sometimes competing against their colleagues.