A Calling to Serve: DCI Quoc’s Journey into Policing

Becoming a detective is often seen as a calling—a role that demands dedication, resilience, and a passion for justice. For those seeking a challenging yet rewarding career, the path of a detective offers unparalleled opportunities to make a difference. Below, Detective Chief Inspect, Quoc shares his journey into policing, the experiences that shaped his career, and the insights he’s gained along the way.

Current Role: Detective Chief Inspect, Crime Manager Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead

Age at joining: 22 years

Length of Service: 17 years

What attracted you to policing?

The UK welcomed me and my family when we arrived as part of the Vietnamese refugee boat crisis in the 1980s. I was a baby at the time. Policing felt like a calling to me because I wanted to contribute to protecting the community and the freedoms we enjoy.

How has your career in policing progressed so far?

It has exceeded my expectations. I joined without any aspirations for a senior or leadership role, but over time, with the right mentors and coaches, I started to see things differently. During my time in policing, I’ve been successful in applying for a variety of opportunities, such as studying at Cambridge University and traveling to Australia to share research. These were opportunities I couldn’t have foreseen.

Early in my career, I spent time in uniform as a response officer and a neighbourhood officer. I later transitioned into detective work across various departments, including a regional unit. Additionally, I stepped away from operational policing for a period to collaborate with academics on various research projects. Now, I serve as a senior detective within the force.

Why did you decide to become a detective?

I knew very early on in my training that I wanted to be a detective. I felt the role suited my mindset and skills best—someone who thrives on detail and enjoys investigating complex matters. Not much in life compares to the adrenaline rush of standing in Crown Court, in front of the judge, prosecution, defence, jury, victim, suspect, and the public. The satisfaction I get when a guilty verdict is reached is immense, knowing I’ve helped achieve justice for a victim who has suffered something traumatic.

Have you felt supported during your career development?

Most definitely. That’s not to say there haven’t been challenging periods, but they’ve contributed to my growth and shaped me into the officer I am today. The support I’ve mentioned earlier is just the tip of the iceberg. What I’ve found most invaluable are the people who have consistently cheered me on in the background throughout my career.

What does a typical day look like for you as a detective?

I’ll speak in terms of a Detective Constable (DC) as opposed to a Crime Manager. You start your day with your team, where there’s a brief meeting to discuss serious incidents from overnight and identify priorities. If you’re allocated or volunteer for a new case, you’ll set up an Initial Investigation Plan and begin your enquiries. These can range from meeting the victim, attending a crime scene, speaking with partners such as specialist departments or local authorities, or reviewing CCTV footage.

If you aren’t assigned new cases, you’ll focus on investigating your ongoing cases. If you were the Duty DC covering overnight, you’ll provide investigative advice on serious and complex crimes to support uniform colleagues.

What is it like working in your department compared to others?

A detective department tends to feel less fast-paced in general. There are busy times, especially when a new complex case is ongoing, but overall, there’s more time to conduct thorough investigations and, importantly, time to think. A significant part of the role requires thinking—understanding the points to prove, identifying reasonable lines of enquiry, mitigating risks, and pre-empting potential defences.

In your opinion, what makes a great detective?

Someone who is tenacious. A great detective rarely gives up and thrives in environments that require diligent, thorough gathering of material and evidence to test different hypotheses (propositions put forward to explain something). A great detective is also empathetic and able to explain complex issues simply to members of the public.

What would you say to someone considering becoming a detective?

Come into this with an open mind. It’s hard work—mentally, physically, and emotionally. However, the rewards are significant, from the gratitude of victims to protecting the public from some of society’s most serious offenders.

Feeling inspired and want to learn more about working as a Detective? Visit our Detective Constable page today. Our Detective programme could be for you.