New Detectives Pass Out in Downpour at Force HQ

Eleven new officers officially joined the force at a rain-soaked ceremony at headquarters, becoming the first recruits to pass out in 2026 under Chief Constable Simon Megicks. The officers are on the accelerated detective pathway and will qualify as detective constables within two years.

There was no let-up in the rain at force headquarters on Friday, but it did little to dampen the spirits of the 11 new officers who proudly passed out in front of family and friends.

The student officers, who have given up a wide range of careers including software programming, prison service and bartending, are joining via the force’s accelerated detective pathway. They will soon begin work as crime investigators and are expected to qualify as detective constables within two years, alongside achieving a graduate diploma in professional policing practice.

The ceremony marked a milestone moment for the force, as the recruits were the first to be welcomed by Chief Constable Simon Megicks since he took up the role, and the first cohort to pass out in 2026.

High Sheriff of Cambridgeshire Frances Stanley and Chief Superintendent Becky Tipping also addressed the new officers during the event.

Speaking to the recruits, Chief Constable Megicks said:
“It is only right that holding such a privileged position as a warranted police officer brings with it accountability and responsibility, both on and off duty.

“However, the rewards of entering policing are there — never lose sight of the varied, exciting, enjoyable and challenging career that you have just entered. You can now make a difference and my strong advice to you is to go and do just that.”

The accelerated detective entry route offers an alternative to the traditional pathway of joining as a police constable before specialising. It allows recruits to work alongside experienced detectives while completing an intensive training programme delivered in partnership with Anglia Ruskin University.

As part of National Apprenticeship Week, the force is also encouraging interest in its Police Constable Degree Apprenticeship (PCDA). Recruitment is set to open later this year, with prospective applicants able to register their interest in advance to receive notification when applications go live.