Police academy to train detectives

The school will teach detective skills

An academy is being established by Durham Constabulary to improve standards for detectives.

The introduction of the Durham scheme is being monitored by forces across England.

A total of 62 applicants from across the force were screened in the selection process and 26 staff were offered places on the course.

Detective Sergeant Phil Stokoe, team leader, said: "Durham is one of the first forces in the country to introduce a scheme like this, but others will be following our lead.

'Trainee investigators'

"The new course is radically different to what we had before, with core competencies and a much more thorough training than previously.

"If the 26 achieve the competencies then they will be trainee investigators."

After the 16-week course they go on to the force's in-house CID course, which lasts for another six weeks and paves the way for the trainees to become fully-fledged detectives.

Previously a constable would be attached to the CID department for a six-month trial to see if they had an aptitude for detective work.

Those on the course will be trained at the force headquarters at Aykley Heads, Durham.