GRADUATES are being sought for a potential career as a detective as police bosses try to tackle a nationwide shortage.

West Mercia Police is one of only eight forces nationwide taking part in a unique national programme to attract graduates into detective roles.

The force is working with Police Now, a charity set up by police officers to recruit graduates into policing, to run a new two year programme to offer up to 10 outstanding individuals from across the county the opportunity to train as detective constables.

This scheme is designed to alleviate the nationwide shortage of investigative officers, supporting frontline detectives to tackle some of the most harmful criminal activity within communities in Shropshire, Worcestershire, Telford & Wrekin and Herefordshire.

Applicants will need at least two years' work experience, reflecting the fact this is not an entry-level role, as well as an undergraduate degree at 2:2 or above.

If successful in passing the rigorous assessment process, applicants will be offered a place at the 12 week Police Now Detective Academy, starting in September 2019.

On arrival in force, trainees will gain experience in a uniformed role before arriving within CID as trainee investigators.

They will be supported by a Police Now leadership development officer, in addition to their colleagues and line managers, and will be expected to produce a portfolio and be signed off as competent to the same high standard as any other detective.

In return, the trainee detectives will be paid the same as any other new recruit to the force and receive the same pension and benefits as all West Mercia officers.

Martin Evans, Assistant Chief Constable at West Mercia Police, said: "Since the nature of crime is changing, like many police forces we need to recruit more investigators with an ever-widening range of skills.

"The Police Now Detective Programme allows us to reach out to outstanding graduates from many fields who may have not have considered working in policing, yet have the skills and experience for a successful long-term career as a detective. We particularly want to hear from people from diverse communities who want to use their talent and passion to make a difference in their communities. Police Now complements existing recruitment and development processes - there is still opportunity for current officers to become detectives.

"Additionally, while recruitment of our existing officers into detective roles will continue, the Police Now programme will allow us to bring in additional officers relatively quickly and directly, bringing in additional resource into investigative areas where we need it most. I look forward to the opportunity this programme presents to support our wider work to ensure we have the investigators we need now and for the future. "

Minister for policing and the fire service, Nick Hurd, says: "Detectives are a vital part of the police's capability to investigate crime and bring perpetrators to justice.

"Police Now has a successful track record of bringing talented people into policing and working with forces to train and develop them, and I am delighted to support this scheme.

"It will complement the good work to boost detective numbers and demonstrates the collective efforts of the sector in building capacity in this crucial area of policing."

For more information, and to apply for West Mercia Police, go to www.policenowdetectives.org.uk.

Applications close on April 30.