thames valley police travel

90 days from today is Wed, 25 December 2024

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Concessionary rail travel

West Midlands Trains

The police officer’s valid Warrant Card is evidence of entitlement to free travel. Police officers are not required to purchase a ticket for travel wholly within the designated concession area. On the West Midlands Network this refers to travel between London Euston and Northampton only.

Hertfordshire Police/Bedfordshire Police/Thames Valley Police

Northamptonshire Police/Staffordshire Police

Uniformed, plain clothes and off duty of the above forces are permitted to travel free at all times on the West Midlands Train service on production of a valid Warrant Card.

Note Police Community Support Officers (PCSOs) can travel free of charge for duty purposes i.e. in uniform, but not for residential or leisure purposes.

There are two concessions open to Hertfordshire Police officers on local trains.

Police officers are entitled to free travel whether in uniform or in plain clothes and on or off duty. These are entirely separate from the arrangements in place for the Metropolitan Police and are unaffected by their recent changes. They are as follows: Transport for London

Hertfordshire Police officers, on production of their Warrant Card, are entitled to free travel on London Buses, London Underground, Tramlink, Docklands Light Railway and London overground services. Please see the below document for more information. Thameslink/Great Northern Railway Ltd

Thameslink /Great Northern Railway Ltd have authorised the existing arrangements for free travel for Hertfordshire Police officers to continue for the life of the franchise.

You must produce your Warrant Card as authority to travel.

The concession is for travel between the below stations and all stations in between:

• Bedford to London Thameslink Stations (St Pancras International/Farringdon/City Thameslink/London Blackfriars/London Bridge – Thameslink trains only
• Peterborough to London King’s Cross/St Pancras International and all stations to London Bridge – Great Northern and Thameslink only
• King’s Lynn - Cambridge – London Kings Cross/St Pancras International and all stations to London Bridge – Great Northern and Thameslink only

The concession only applies to officers AFTER they have completed their 16-week training.

Special Constables can only travel free of charge when travelling to or from a prearranged police duty. * They must be fit for independent patrol, not available while still being coached / trained. 

Please note - it is your responsibility to know what train lines have the concession. If you are found to be travelling on any other lines or companies, or acting not in accordance with the agreement, PSD may be informed and you may be subject to a criminal and/or misconduct investigation.

The concession includes off duty and in or out of uniform

• Standard travel only not first class.
• There will be an expectation that if called upon by a conductor that you will assist them. If you don’t want to be called upon then pay for the journey.

For example, while there would be a duty to intervene if you witnessed an incident there may well be times when an incident occurs three carriages away that you would not be aware of.

By showing your Warrant Card you are indicating that the conductor may come to you to assist in an incident that you would otherwise be unaware of. As such if officers are aware that they will not be in a practical position to provide such assistance (this could be through a number of reasons such as intoxication or caring for a child/vulnerable person) then careful thought needs to be given before using the concession.

• If you are travelling with family and friends then they must hold valid tickets for the journey.
• If asked by a conductor to pay then you must pay. Politely request the conductor's name and then report the matter to the Police Federation who will ensure the conductor is appraised of the agreement to ensure it doesn't happen again. This does not mean you will get a refund.

It must be stressed to all officers that these are concessions not entitlements, if asked to pay please do so .

Professional Standards are aware of these concessions and, providing that you use them within the parameters as set, fully support them.

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Policies and Procedures

Below is a series of policies, procedures and guidance which are relevant to our office..

The Budget Book is the Police and Crime Commissioner’s (PCC) published plan of all expected income and expenditure for the financial year. It contains a detailed summary of the income we expect to get from central government, local tax payers and other sources such as special grants.

Community Remedy derived from a public consultation in 2012-2013 run by the Home Office. After receiving support from a majority of respondents, the idea of Community Remedy became a key element of the Anti-social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014 .

The Anti Fraud, Bribery and Corruption Policy (including Whistle Blowing) is a joint policy for our Office and Thames Valley Police. It includes a policy in relation to handling qualifying disclosures.

The Annual Treasury Management Strategy Statement includes the proposed borrowing and investment strategies, and sets out the prudential indicators and treasury management activity limits for the period 2024/25

The Asset Management Plan explains the strategic direction of both the property assets and management of those assets in order to support the delivery of the Force strategic objectives.

T he Capital Strategy provides a high-level overview of how capital expenditure, capital financing and treasury management activity contribute to the delivery of desired outcomes.

Here is our Code of Conduct.

The Commissioning Strategy details how we commission services across the Thames Valley.

The Complaints Policy provides all the details you need to make a formal complaint against the Police and Crime Commissioner or a member of our staff.

The Contract Management Strategy outlines our key principles for contract management and the process we follow. It also contains information on performance reporting and our governance arrangements.

The Data Protection Policy outlines how the OPCC are compliant with GDPR and the Data Protection Act 2018, as well as providing the procedure for dealing with breaches.

  The Reserves Strategy provides information on the level of reserves, balances and provisions currently held and explains how some of these will be applied over the next four years to help support the revenue budget and capital programme.

Our Financial Strategy sets out how Thames Valley Police (the PCC and the Force) will structure and manage its finances to support the delivery of the aims and objectives of the service, as set out in the Police and Criminal Justice Plan, and to ensure sound financial management and good stewardship of public money.

Our Decision Making Policy sets out the decision-making process for the Police and Crime Commissioner. You can also visit our Decision Making section to see details of all the decisions made by the PCC.

The Gifts and Hospitality Policy provides the PCC and all staff with guidance regarding how gifts and hospitality may be given or received and in what circumstances they should be declined.

The Information Sharing Agreement sets out the terms and conditions under which information help by Thames Valley Police will be shared with the OPCC and vice versa.

The Improving Safety of Women and Girls Strategy sets out the role we can all play in ending VAWG as part of a coordinated partnership response in the Thames Valley.

Here is our Investment Strategy .

The Joint Corporate Governance Framework is for the Police and Crime Commissioner and the Chief Constable and includes the Statement of Corporate Governance, Code of Corporate Governance, Scheme of Corporate Governance and Financial Regulations.

Here are the Chief Constable Financial Instructions (CCFI).

Our Modern Slavery Statement sets out the actions we need to understand about potential modern slavery risks related to our business and provision of services. , It also puts in place steps that are aimed at ensuring that there is no slavery or human trafficking present in our business and supply chain.

The Privacy Notice explains how we use your personal information and the ways in which we protect your privacy.

The Publication Scheme outlines what information should be recorded by us and made available to the public. This includes information on the Freedom of Information Act 2000 and the Elected Local Policing Bodies (Specified Information) Order 2011.

The Records Management and Disposal Policy aims to prevent the premature destruction of records, provide consistency of preservation/destruction and improve record management.

The Travel and Subsistence Policy details what travel and subsistence claims can be made by the Police and Crime Commissioner.

Thames Valley Police Proposed Fees and Charges. There are a limited range of activities where it is appropriate for the Force to make charges to individuals or organisations to recover costs of policing services provided. To ensure consistency across the service these charges are set in accordance with National Police Chiefs Council (NPCC) and the Association of Police and Crime Commissioners (APCC) guidelines for charging for police services. This report sets out the Fees and Chargeable rates applicable for 2023/24.

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Detective Constable

The role of a detective.

As a Detective, you will be involved in handling serious and complex investigations, motivated by the desire to do the right thing and bring justice to victims.  

Your work will be demanding but rewarding, requiring strong problem-solving skills, effective communication, attention to detail, and a commitment to serving the community and ensuring public safety.  

Most importantly, teamwork will be a key part of your day-to-day job, working collaboratively with social care, health teams and schools, working alongside your uniformed colleagues to build the strongest cases.  

Could you be a Detective?

We want to empower you with all the information you need on your journey to becoming a Detective Constable (DC), and to this end, we encourage you to read the information presented in the sections below. 

From learning what we can offer you if you choose to start your policing career with us, the recruitment process explained, to the way we value difference in our workforce, we hope you will find all you need to take the next step and join our team. 

As a Detective you will:

• manage investigations from start to finish
• analyse evidence
• c o n d u ct i n terviews and interrogations
• work in partnership with a variety of teams and departments, but also with external stakeholders
• work a mix of early, late, weekend and bank holiday shifts ( see here an example of a Detective’s shift pattern ) 

We are looking for resilient individuals whose first instinct is to help and support others; those who are problem-solvers who pay high attention to detail, those calm under pressure and patient, who ask questions and are curious, but also approachable with a natural ability to communicate with people from all walks of life. 

If this sounds like the role for you, join our team as a Detective via our Detective Constable Entry Programme (DCEP).

Join us for a ride along

Gain valuable insight and first-hand experience of frontline policing by joining us on a ride along. If you’re thinking of applying to be an officer with Thames Valley Police then a ride along could be the perfect way to learn more about the job from the people that do it every day. Visit our Ride Along Scheme page and sign up now.

With a force size that guarantees a broad range of crime and a reputation for solid investigations there is no better place than Thames Valley Police (TVP) to become a Detective.

We have an established, comprehensive investigative structure and are the host force for a number of South-East regional crime teams; for example Counter Terrorism Police South-East.

We believe it’s important that our Detectives are supported to be the best they can be. Whether that’s through additional learning, support when things get tough or through discounts to enjoy with family and friends away from the workplace – your wellbeing will always be a priority.

Here are some of the reasons you should join the TVP family:

• the starting salary for all new recruits is  £32,907 (which includes £3,000 South-East allowance) . On the current salary scales, after seven years of service the salary will be in excess of £51,000 (which includes £3,000 South-East allowance); 
• bonus payment, variable depending on location and department;
• support with National Investigators’ Exam (NIE) – access to the full Police Pass Revision Package, including manuals, lectures, online question bank and crammer course;
• military veterans transitioning into a police officer or detective constable role with TVP will be supported with an additional, one-off resettlement payment of £2,500 paid into their first month’s pay. For details on eligibility and expectations relating to this payment, see our   Military Resettlement page ;
• additional benefits including pension scheme and annual holiday entitlement;
• wide range of discounts for retailers, restaurants, travel, tickets and more available via our TVP Reward mobile benefits app plus eligibility for Blue Light Card membership;
• wide ranging career prospects including opportunities for promotion and specialisation;
• a focus on your continuous professional development which includes a structured Performance Development Review;
• our ‘Support for Study’ scheme ensures you have the opportunity to gain additional accreditation and qualifications;
• a well-established Wellbeing function ensures you receive the support you need when you need it, including support for your Mental & Physical Wellbeing, Financial Wellbeing, Leadership Wellbeing and Health & Safety at work;
• A wealth of support services are available through membership of the  Police Federation ,
• a variety of Peer Support, Staff Support Networks and Buddy Groups including: Support Association for Minority Ethnic Staff, Disability Support Network, Women’s Network, Gypsy Roma Traveller Police Association, Muslim Police Association, Christian Police Association and Men’s Forum.

Find out more about how we could be   supporting you   and how we   value difference   at TVP.

  Applicants must meet the following criteria:

• be at least 17 years of age upon application but must be 18 years of age by your first day in the role; there is no upper age limit;
• be a British citizen, or an EU/European Economic Area (EEA) national, Commonwealth citizen or foreign national with Indefinite Leave to Remain or Pre-Settled/Settled status and no restrictions on your stay in the United Kingdom;
• residency – have been a UK resident for the last three years;
• hold a full manual UK or EU driving licence by the time of formal offer;
• not have served any time in prison or youth detention (if you have a criminal conviction, it may lead to your application being rejected – we will take into account the date, nature of offence plus evidence of good character since the offence);
• be in good health and able to physically and mentally perform your duties;
• not have any piercings or tattoos which could cause offence;
• live within 30 crow miles/40 road miles/ a 1 hour commute of two of our main police stations by formal offer of appointment. A degree of flexibility is expected in terms of postings as we may be forced to post to locations within policy parameters if organisational need dictates this.

Educational requirements for our Detective Constable Entry Programme (DCEP):

• You must have achieved English GCSE (A*-C/9-4) or an equivalent Level 2 qualification (e.g. Functional Skills, O-Level or CSE Grade 1) and two A-Levels (A-E) or equivalent, OR relevant professional experience. If you don’t have A-Levels but do have at least one year of professional experience working in areas such as those below, we encourage you to apply. (Note that this is not an exhaustive list and all previous experience will be assessed on a case-by-case basis.)
• Armed forces
• Border force
• Criminal justice sector/CPS/courts
• Cyber/digital and financial fraud crimes
• Dedicated investigation or analytical role
• Emergency services
• Health and social care sectors
• Justice and law enforcement sectors
• Police staff, particularly custody, public contact/demand hub/enquiry office roles and investigative roles
• PCSO or Special Constable
• Prison service
• Professional services/project management

The recruitment process to become a Detective via our Detective Constable Entry Programme (DCEP) takes a bit longer than other roles, due to the nature of the job, so we want to provide you with a realistic overview of the steps involved. 

Once you start your application, our recruitment team will support you every step of the way, and they are always available to answer your questions. You can contact them at [email protected]

Application process explained:

Typically, the process from initial application through to start date can take nine to twelve months and includes:

• Step 1: Self-assessment questionnaire   – we encourage all applicants to self-assess your eligibility prior to applying;
• Step 2: Application including proof of eligibility – be prepared to apply;
• Step 3: Online assessment process –  National Sift – taking approx 1 hour to complete;
• Step 4. Online   assessment centre  – Interview/Written/Briefing – taking approx. 3 hours to complete;
• Step 5. Provisional offer;
• Step 6. Interview – panel interview led by a Senior Detective and including an additional assessment based on the skills required to be a detective. Please note all candidates (internal and external) will be required to do a panel interview;
• Step 7. Pre-employment checks including fitness test , medical, references and vetting. Useful information about the fitness test and vetting can also be found in the videos below;
• Step 8. Attendance at induction weekend, where you will find out more about the programme and hear from guest speakers and current or previous students;
• Step 9. Start date.

At Thames Valley Police, we are committed to better reflect the communities that we serve.  

We encourage applications from our underrepresented communities including all ethnic or religious backgrounds, LGBTQ+ and women.

Our Positive Action and Engagement Team provide support and guidance to anyone from an ethnically diverse background throughout the Detective Constable recruitment process as well as advise on career development and progression. They can be contacted via:   [email protected]

Learn more about the team and the support they can provide you to start your career in policing.

• Self-assessment Questionnaire
• Recommended Medical Standards
• Eyesight Standards for Police Recruitment
• Body Mass Index (BMI)
• Vetting – Frequently Asked Questions
• A-level Equivalency Table
• English & Maths Level 2
• Competency and Values Framework
• National Sift COP Guidance
• Officer Rates of Pay
• Local Policing Areas

Our Detective Entry Route

At TVP, we are proud to provide the Detective Constable Entry Programme (DCEP) so that anyone interested in becoming a Detective can attain their dream career. This 2-year programme is for those eager to pursue a career in investigation, going straight into the Detective role at completion.

The programme welcomes both non-degree and degree holders, and includes:

• 25 weeks foundation training
• Blend of practical experience and classroom-based learning
• 10 weeks of individual coached patrol followed by 6 weeks continued operational duties with the same team before moving into an investigative department for the duration of your programme
• Additional investigative training at set points within your first two years   
• View the 2-year DCEP overview

Register your interest for this programme and be the first to hear once we open.

To become a substantive Detective Constable, you will first complete foundation training so you can develop your knowledge and skills to help effectively protect our communities. This will be similar to the training our Police Officers receive.  

We work with a range of experts to compile and deliver leading foundation training for our new recruits:  

• 25 weeks of training  you’ll undergo a blend of classroom (including e-learning) and practical learning to understand the basics of general policing and prepare you for operational policing.
• This will include knowledge of operational guidance, legislative powers, and Thames Valley Police (TVP) mandated policies/systems, and will be centred around vulnerability and risk, investigations and criminal justice.  
• On a typical day-to-day, your mornings will consist of teaching followed by an afternoon of applying that knowledge. For example, you could spend the morning learning about the theory and principles behind stop and search powers, and then put that learning into practice in the afternoon with role play scenarios. Want to know what you’ll be doing? See what an example training timetable looks like.  
• Find out more about Foundation Training .   

After completing your foundation training, you will have to take your National Investigators’ Exam (NIE) . You will be given the Police Pass revision package to aid your studies. In the weeks prior to the exam, you will be given study days to attend a dedicated crammer course. 

After completing your foundation training and NIE, you will be spending the next 16 weeks of your training in uniform in Incident and Response (ICR). During this time, you will be working a full pattern of day and night shifts ( see an example of a typical ICR shift pattern for a 10-weeks period ).   

After completing your training in uniform, you will start your DC tutoring in plain clothes, in one of the following three teams:  

During your second year of the programme you will undertake two further periods of training:  

• Serious and Complex Crime Interviewing (SACCI): a two-week course which delivers the foundations to empower participants to understand the theory and develop the practical skills to undertake witness & suspect interviews for serious and complex criminal investigations.    
• Investigators’ Development Programme (IDP): a four-week course which equips investigators with the knowledge, skills and processes associated with serious and complex investigations.  

Following these courses you will begin working towards the completion of your Level 2 Professionalising Investigation Programme qualification (PIP2 Portfolio).  

Having completed the DCEP programme and requisite portfolios you become an accredited DC and a whole world of roles and opportunities opens up within some of our specialist investigative teams.  

Throughout your career with Thames Valley Police (TVP), you’ll receive support and ongoing training to make sure you have everything you need to carry out your duties competently and confidently.

Most importantly, the opportunities to progress and develop as part of TVP are nearly endless.

From progressing through the ranks, or taking on a specialism, you can expand your policing career based on your skills and interests – your career is yours to tailor, and  TVP will be there to help you along the way.   

As with Police Constables, Detectives can progress their careers through the rank structure:

• Detective Constable (DC) – starting point  
• Detective Sergeant (DS)  
• Detective Inspector (DI)  
• Detective Chief Inspector (DCI)  
• Detective Superintendent (DSI) or (DSupt)  
• Detective Chief Superintendent (DCS)  
• Assistant Chief Constable (ACC)  
• Deputy Chief Constable (DCC)  
• Chief Constable (CC) – highest rank in policing   

Discover below some the specialist investigative teams you can join once you become a substantive Detective:   

Whilst serving in all investigation departments there is the option to complete specialist courses such as being a Family Liaison Officer (FLO) where you might be deployed to support a family of a victim of a homicide, or a negotiator, or be an enhanced suspect or witness interviewer.

Learn more about working as a FLO .   

Meet our Detectives

Read some of the inspiring stories of our Detectives, and how they are protecting our Thames Valley communities.

A history in investigation

Thames Valley Police has a rich history of first-class investigation including associations with the 1963 Great Train Robbery and baby farmer Amelia Dyer from the 1890s, more recent cases have included Op Naseby and Op Navigator.  

The force is also featured in the Channel 4 British true crime documentary series ‘Catching a Killer’ which shines a light on five of our recent and complex cases, following Detectives in our Major Crime Unit as they investigate a murder.  

Learn more about some of our most challenging cases:  

Op Naseby: Part 1 - The story of Peter Farquhar

Op Naseby: Part 2 - The story of Ann Moore-Martin

Lynda Rickard sentenced for murder and fraud offences – South Newington, Oxfordshire.

Olly Stephens murder - 1.Tribute

Life sentence with minimum term of 23 years’ 169 days for murderer of Jorge Martin Carreno – Oxford

Op Inuit - DCI Jon Capps discusses the murder of Keith Green

Our recruitment team is available to support you every step of the way and answer your questions.  You can contact them at [email protected]

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