Academic detectives are better by degrees

A group of 15 detective constables and sergeants have been presented with BA Honours degrees in Investigation after finishing a course at Sunderland University.

Funded personally by the individual officers, the group – comprising six detective sergeants and nine detective constables – enrolled on the course in June last year.

They were awarded credits to account for the first two years of study, meaning they only needed to complete the third and final year to gain a degree.

Course work and studying was completed in their own time. They attended six lectures at the university and completed the rest of the course via distance learning.

The officers, who were congratulated by Chief Constable Tim Hollis, include representatives from all the force's four divisions and its training centre.

The pioneering academics are now being followed by a second group of detectives.

The latest batch of 21 officers, ranging from the rank of constable to chief inspector, have already begun their studies.

Staff at the university may even tempt the graduates back for more studies as they are now developing a Masters degree.

The force's training manager Hazel Pearce said the qualifications would not only benefit the individual officers but the force as a whole.

She said: "Achieving this qualification is reward for commitment to personal development and I congratulate all who have reached this standard.

"Personal development, individual commitment and drive to achieve is the way forward for learning and development and gaining a BA Honours degree shows the high standard of investigation in Humberside Police."