More Than TV Drama: The Real Work of a Major Crime Detective

From cricket pitches to courtrooms, Sam’s journey into policing has been anything but typical. What began as a childhood interest with stories shared on the boundary has grown into a career built on empathy, resilience, and a drive to make a real difference. 

Meet Sam, one of Thames Valley Police’s detective constables, whose path to major crime investigations took a few unexpected turns – from university in London to the pharmaceutical industry, before finally landing where he truly belongs: supporting victims, solving complex cases, and helping bring justice to those who need it most. 

We caught up with him to hear how his journey unfolded, what it’s really like behind the scenes of major crime, and why being “naturally nosy” might just be the secret to being a great detective. 

Current Role – Detective Constable in Major Crime 

What led you to a career in policing? 

I had no immediate family within policing but I’d always been fascinated by the stories I’d hear from the parents within policing during my cricket matches. After studying at university in London, I initially pursued becoming a police officer in The Met – however delays led me to a career as a pharmaceutical analyst instead. 

Whilst the career was rewarding and I was able to support those in need, it was not the hands-on impact I’d always envisioned. That’s when I decided to make the jump into policing.  

I initially applied for both the Police Constable (PCEP) and Detective Constable Entry Programmes (DCEP) at Thames Valley Police. When I heard back from the detective route first, I decided to go for it – and I’m so glad I did. Looking back, it was the perfect fit. The role plays to my strengths and gives me the opportunity to make a real difference through investigative work every day. 

How is the role different to what’s shown in television and the media? 

The majority of cases take much longer than on television. From start to finish they take months, if not years to reach a conclusion. Alongside the hours of work that goes into these cases, we have many hours of paperwork to complete, which is a necessary evil of the job unfortunately!  

Interviews with victims, witnesses and suspects are my favourite part of the role. Much of how television portrays these interviews is not entirely accurate but the emotional intensity and building rapport while uncovering the truth is. It’s one of the most challenging and rewarding parts of the job, and where real human connection meets investigative skill.

What actor/actress would you want to play you in a TV series/film? 

Well, if we’re going purely on looks, I’d love to say Chris Hemsworth or Channing Tatum – you know, the usual Hollywood leading man persona! But if we’re being honest (and a bit more realistic), it’s probably closer to Rowan Atkinson.  

What specialist areas and skills does your training cover? 

Detective training covers a wide range of specialist areas, such as Burglaries and Robberies, CID, Domestic Abuse Investigations (DAIU), and Child Abuse Investigations (CAIU). Each branch requires different skills – for example, burglary and robbery cases often rely on CCTV and forensic evidence, while domestic and child abuse investigations focus more on interviewing victims and suspects to build a clear picture of the incidents. 

While training introduces these core skills, I found the most valuable learning came from real-life incidents, where I could apply what I’d learned in practical, hands-on situations. 

In your opinion, what makes a great detective?  

A great detective needs to be intuitive, versatile across a range of scenarios and people, and inquisitive (or as I like to call it – naturally nosy!). But beyond that, resilience and empathy are key.  

You’re often dealing with people at their most vulnerable, so being able to listen, adapt, and stay calm under pressure makes all the difference. It’s not just about solving cases – it’s about supporting people through some of the most challenging moments of their lives. 

Is there a particular case that reinforced your passion for the job? 

There have been many highs and lows in my career, but the most memorable moments came during my time in the Child Abuse Investigations Unit. Supporting vulnerable children through incredibly difficult cases was both challenging and deeply rewarding. 

One case that stands out involved helping a young victim through the entire court process. Seeing their emotional response on the final day in court – and knowing I helped them achieve the outcome they needed – was a powerful reminder of why I do this job and why I’m so passionate about it. 

Thames Valley Police (TVP) is actively looking for people to be the difference they want to see in their communities. 

To find out more about a policing career with TVP – including the realities of working as a detective, initial training, and how to apply to become a detective, please visit our Detective Constable page.