Chief inspector

Chief inspectors manage operational teams in their districts, planning and monitoring policing operations, including responses to major incidents.

Also known as: Detective chief inspector, DCI

• Starter salary£61,000 a year
• Experienced£70,000 a year
• Typical hours42 to 48 a week

What you'll do

As a chief inspector, you would:

• assess intelligence information
• plan operations and the resources needed
• manage a team of investigators, officers and other police staff
• work closely with communities and partner agencies
• manage staff performance and budgets
• review operations and develop policing policies and tactics
• take charge of the response to major incidents in your area when they happen

Working environment

You could work at a police station or in the community.

Your working environment may be physically and emotionally demanding.

You may need to wear a uniform.

Skills and knowledge you'll need

You'll need:

• leadership skills
• knowledge of public safety and security
• the ability to think clearly using logic and reasoning
• to be thorough and pay attention to detail
• legal knowledge including court procedures and government regulations
• patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
• the ability to accept criticism and work well under pressure
• persistence and determination
• to be able to use a computer and the main software packages confidently

How to become a chief inspector

You can get into this job through:

• working towards this role
• applying directly

Work

If you're an existing police officer, you can apply for fast-track development through the ranks. You can also apply for a promotion if you're currently an inspector.

Direct application

If you're a middle or senior manager working in commerce or industry, and have relevant skills and experience, you can apply for the Direct Entry to Inspector or Superintendent programmes . You'll usually need a degree or postgraduate qualification to apply.

The programmes last between 18 and 24 months and offer the training and support you'll need to make the switch from your current job to an operational police leader.

After completing the training and with several years' experience working at operational level, you can apply to become a chief inspector.

Restrictions and requirements

You'll need to:

• pass security checks
• pass background checks

Career path and progression

With experience and further training, you could move up the policing ranks from chief inspector to superintendent, and on to assistant chief constable and chief constable.

You could also move into the security services, for instance:

• MI5
• MI6
• Civil Nuclear Constabulary
• Ministry of Defence

Career tips

Application dates for police recruitment programmes can vary between forces. Check with your local police force for details.

Guides for this industry

• Police & Law Enforcement: pay, interviews and getting started →

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