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- Chief inspectors play a leadership role in local police services
- Requires leadership, planning, and problem solving skills, and the ability to make effective decisions under pressure
- With experience and further training, move from chief inspector to superintendent, and on to assistant chief constable and chief constable
Chief Inspectors manage large teams of inspectors, sergeants, constables and police staff. They may be the most senior operational response officer or manage assigned specialist policing functions such as investigations. This role carries specific legal powers in line with inspector rank to enable the maintenance of law and order.
DAY-TO-DAY DUTIES
- Assessing intelligence information
- Developing policing policies and tactics
- Planning the best ways to carry out operations and investigations
- Working closely with communities and professional partners
- Managing staff performance
- Reviewing law enforcement operations
- Controlling departmental budgets
- You'll also take charge of the response to major incidents in your area when they happen
DAY-TO-DAY ENVIRONMENT
As a chief inspector you could work at a police station or in the community. Your work may be physically and emotionally demanding. You may need to wear a uniform.
You'll need
This role requires leadership, planning, and problem solving skills, and the ability to make effective decisions under pressure.
If you're an existing police officer you'll need to apply for fast-track development through the ranks and if you're a current inspector, you'll need to apply for promotion.
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 at Superintendent programme. You'll usually need a degree or postgraduate qualification to apply. This programme lasts between 18 and 24 months and after completing the training and several years' experience at operational level, you can apply to become a chief inspector.
You'll need to pass security and background checks for this role.
CAREER PROSPECTS
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 work for the security services, MI5 and MI6, Civil Nuclear Constabulary or Ministry of Defence.