Detective Inspector Review
at Merseyside Police
Degree Apprenticeship
Police Officer
Liverpool
Review Submitted: May 2025
Overall Rating
4.5 /5
The Overall Rating is the average of all the ratings given in each category. We take those individual ratings and combine them into one final score!
4/5
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Overview of Role
4/5
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Skills Development
4/5
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Structure and Support
Overview of Role
Please give an overview of your role and what this involves on a day-to-day basis:
4/5
I am responsible for the delivery of crime training and assessment. This includes the delivery of courses PIP1 - PIP3 and specialist interview courses such as Tier 3 and Tier 5 suspect interviewing, FLO, SCAIDP, SSAIDP. Nearly all courses require the completion of a portfolio in order to achieve operational competence and accreditation.
To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
4/5
I am really enjoying it so far. It's very relatable to my role and future roles. It is remote learning due to me being in Merseyside and it being delivered by University of Wales Trinity St David but I don't feel that this has impacted it's delivery in any way.
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
4/5
I started the course in October 2024 so I have only completed 2 modules so far. These were "The Governance Challenges of 21st Century Policing" and "Operational Leadership Challenges". I have submitted an essay and an reflective report so far. Although I am quite early into the syllabus I have already learnt and developed lots of skills. I had been out of education for a while so completing the first two assignments has helped me to refresh / develop researching, essay & report writing and referencing skills.
Structure and Support
How well organised/structured is your programme?
4/5
The programme is very well structured with online remote lectures once a week in the evening (work have been very supportive in terms of flexibility with shifts so as not to impact upon my attendance). I have only done 2 modules so far but both have been really interesting and engaging.
How much support do you receive from your employer?
4/5
My employer has been very supportive, allowing me appropriate time to support the apprenticeship. I also sometimes vary my shifts to ensure that my working day doesn't become too long (with lectures being once a week at 5.30 - 8pm and I work 7-3 day shifts).
How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
4/5
Again, whilst it's early days my training provider has been very supportive with both lecturers offering plenty of additional support and help as and when is required. They always ask what support might be required and go out of their way to assist for example they arranged a bespoke input re how best to use online library resources when students reported difficulties
How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
4/5
My qualification is extremely relevant to my role and future roles. We are a small group of candidates from different forces and everyone has commented on the relevancy of this qualification. I am using pieces of current work to support the qualification. I am going to liaise with Chief Officers in advance of my 3rd year to ensure that my dissertation is on a topic that is useful and relevant to my force.
Are there extra-curricular activities to get involved in at your work? (For example, any social activities, sports teams, or even professional networking events.)
4/5
There's various social activities and sports teams. I have previously played for the police netball team although I don't currently. There's also a wide range of networks, groups and professional events that people can become involved in if they wish to.
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend Merseyside Police to a friend?
Yes
Why?
I have served in Merseyside Police for 21 years and I can honestly say it's the best job I have ever had. I could never see myself doing any other job. It's a very supportive employer in terms of the provision of education / qualifications.
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to Merseyside Police?
It's a challenging but very rewarding job. There's scope to do lots of different roles so you never get bored or are without options to develop yourself.
