Chief Inspector

Typical Salary

£57,000 To £59,250

Typical Hours

44 to 46 a week

evenings / weekends / bank holidays attending events or appointments

How To Become a Chief Inspector

You can get into this job through:

working towards this role
applying directly

College / University

Apprenticeship

Apprenticeship are not listed for this job.

Routes into this Career

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

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 Inspector or Direct Entry at Superintendent programme. 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 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.

Other Routes

Other Routes are not listed for this job.

Skills And Knowledge

You'll need:

knowledge of public safety and security
customer service skills
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
leadership skills
to be thorough and pay attention to detail
knowledge of psychology
to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device

Day To Day Tasks

Your day-to-day duties could include:

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
taking 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.

Career Path & 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 work for the security services, MI5 and MI6, Civil Nuclear Constabulary or Ministry of Defence.

Volunteering Opportunities

Volunteering Opportunities are not listed for this job.

Tips & Information

Further information

You can get more advice about becoming a senior officer through the College of Policing.

Restrictions & Requirements

You'll need to:

pass security checks
pass background checks