This webinar is aimed at encouraging detectives to develop a deeper understanding of themselves as a professional investigator and a person. This understanding is used to explore investigative decision-making and the drivers for behaviours in the workplace and the ways that investigators interact with others. It explores what professionalism means in contemporary policing and how professional behaviours are embedded and demonstrated. It balances understanding of self, with the expectations of the organisation, and exploring how to navigate conflicts that may arise.

It examines how a detective’s background and experiences influence the way they think and explores common cognitive shortcuts that can lead to dysfunctional thinking within investigations. It identifies strategies to help to maximise an investigative mindset in investigations.

Finally, it explores leadership within policing, particularly focussing on embedding leadership behaviours at detective constable and detective sergeant ranks. It explores how individual behaviours as a professional investigator can foster and promote trust and confidence. It considers the influence of workplace culture and the use of role modelling to promulgate good practice.

All of this is situated against a backdrop of contemporary policing operating in an arena of time and resource constraints, increased scrutiny and with a mind towards detective welfare and wellbeing.

It will also briefly outline opportunities for personal and professional development through the University of Sunderland highlighting the MA in Investigative Management and the BA (Hons) Applied Investigation as well as a range of short courses around witness or suspect interviewing, family liaison, firearms, RASSO investigations and SIO development.