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Start Your Journey with the British Transport Police (BTP)

Join a Team Where Your Voice and Values Matter

Are you a current or former Police Officer looking for a new challenge or thinking about returning to policing? British Transport Police (BTP) are recruiting a PIP 2 qualified Detective at Sergeant rank to join our Crime Investigation Department in Southampton.

BTP police and protect 10,000 miles of track and 3,000 railway stations every day – a network that is at the heart of Britain’s community, commerce and industry. Join us and you’ll be providing specialist policing to a unique community in a unique environment, dealing with rewarding challenges that you won’t find in any other Force.

Our CID teams conduct proactive and reactive investigations into crimes committed across the rail network, securing the best available evidence and delivering thorough, effective investigations. As a Detective Sergeant, you will lead and supervise complex and serious crime enquiries, ensuring investigative standards are maintained and resources are deployed effectively. You will oversee the development of high-quality case files, providing direction and support to investigators while ensuring cases are progressed efficiently to support informed decisions on offender detection and prosecution.

Make a Real Impact

At BTP, we champion modern, people-first policing. From safeguarding passengers to supporting vulnerable individuals and preventing crime, no two days are the same. Our officers are more than law enforcers; they are listeners, problem-solvers, and protectors of community trust.

This is a role where your empathy, communication skills, and emotional intelligence are every bit as valued as your operational experience.

Why Join BTP?

We believe a supportive workplace is key to success. That’s why we offer:

• Flexible working arrangements wherever possible
• A strong focus on wellbeing, mental health support, and inclusive leadership
• Real opportunities to progress through diverse career pathways
• Family-friendly policies and a culture that understands life beyond work

Join a force where your ideas are welcomed, your development is prioritised, and your unique strengths are seen as assets.

Ready to Apply?

The application process is simple:

1. Application
2. Interview - In Person
3. Conditional Offer
4. Pre-employment Checks
5. Formal Offer and Start Date

**Download our Candidate Information Pack for full details.**

Are You Eligible?

• Applicants must be a current or former officer from a Home Office Police Force, Police Scotland, or PSNI
• Transferees must be substantive in rank and have completed probation
• Re-joiners must apply within 5 years of leaving and have been substantive in rank
• Must have lived in the UK for the past 3 consecutive years
• No live misconduct warnings or performance issues
• Cannot be under current investigation by another force
• No active CCJs, unmanaged IVAs, or bankruptcy
• We do not accept applications from those dismissed from another force

**Applicants for our locations outside of Inner London must hold a full UK driving licence.**

Role Specific Eligibility Criteria

• Applicants must be PIP 2 qualified Detectives at point of application
• Successful applicants who have been outside of policing for more than 12 months will be assessed on a case-by-case basis to determine whether re-accreditation and/or additional training is required prior to appointment.

Want to Learn More?

Explore our On Patrol shadowing scheme to get a first-hand feel for the role, or email us at recruitmentteam@btp.police.uk with any questions.

You’ve already made a difference. Come do it again, with a team that values every part of who you are - Apply now and help us keep Britain moving safely.

Inclusion and Diversity

We are committed to building a workforce where everyone feels they belong.

We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, identities and lived experiences. Diversity strengthens our teams, improves our services and helps us better represent and support the communities we serve.

We are proud to be an inclusive employer and strive to create a workplace that is fair, respectful and accessible to all. We actively work to challenge discrimination, remove barriers and ensure equity throughout our recruitment and employment practices.

If you need any reasonable adjustments during the recruitment or selection process, please let us know - we are happy to support you. Your talent, your potential, and your unique perspective matter here.

Use of AI

AI can be a useful tool to spark ideas or help you organise your thoughts, but when it comes to your application, we want to hear from you, not an algorithm. What truly stands out to us are genuine stories, personal insights and the experiences that have shaped who you are. Authenticity matters - it helps us understand your motivations, your strengths and how you’ll contribute to our team. So, use AI if it helps you get started, but let your own voice lead the way.