From University Centre Peterborough Graduate, to Trainee Detective Constable

Beth Reynolds, BSc Crime Scene and Investigative Studies graduate of University Centre Peterborough, was delighted to accept a place on the Accelerated Detective Constable Programme (ADCP) in June 2021, and says that she “couldn’t have picked a better degree to prepare for the role”.

Before enrolling at University Centre Peterborough, Beth was unsure of the career path that she wanted to follow, but the Bachelor of Science degree in Crime Scene and Investigative Studies (now known as Forensic Investigation) piqued her interest. Beth said, “I ended up loving it! I had the mindset when I started my degree that if I put my mind to it, I could do it, but my tutors were so helpful; their real-life experiences were so useful to us students”. She continued, “plus, the class sizes were small, so I got plenty of one-to-one support”.

The course combines a range of topics within the realms of forensic science and criminal justice. Having taken great enjoyment from the detective and policing modules, Beth applied for the Accelerated Detective Constable Programme, a new pathway that sees personnel attain Detective Constable rank within a two-year probationary period. “University Centre Peterborough provided me with support during the application process”, Beth commented, “we often took part in LinkedIn workshops, and I got advice and coaching from lecturers and the careers guidance team”.

The public sector body sought out talented individuals with personal resilience and a strong work ethic, and Beth had to undergo an intensive recruitment process. “I was really excited when I found out that I got accepted”, Beth said. The now Trainee Detective Constable is completing her training locally, having joined the Cambridgeshire Constabulary, and is looking forward to a varied and rewarding career in the Force.