Moved to Response
From CID?
Are you being forced back to Response policing? A guide to CID posting status, PIP2 accreditation, and management's operational control powers.
Authority: Analysis of deployment powers under Police Regulations 2003 for investigative roles.
Executive Summary
Yes — you can be moved from CID back to Response. CID is an assignment, not a protected rank.
- Posting vs Rank: You remain a Constable (DC is a posting prefix, not a separate rank).
- Lawfulness: Redeployment is lawful for operational need or suitability reasons.
- Fairness: Moves must not be discriminatory or used as "disguised punishment."
- Accreditation: PIP2 status usually remains even if you are not in a CID post.
Is Your CID Posting Permanent?
No. A Chief Officer has the delegated authority to redeploy an officer from CID to Response for operational necessity or suitability reasons. Consent is not required, although fairness and process still matter.
Detective Constable is an assignment (PIP2) for a Constable rank.
Forces can shuffle staff to meet emergency Response demand.
While many detectives view their role as a distinct career path, legally you remain a Constable under the Police Regulations 2003. This means that if the 999 call demand on Response is critically under-resourced, the force can lawfully redeploy detectives to "the frontline."
CID is a Posting, Not a Rank
A common misconception is that "Detective" is a separate rank from "Constable." In the eyes of the regulations, it is an assignment.
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PIP2 Accreditation
Being a DC means you have achieved (or are working towards) PIP2 accreditation. This is a skill set, not a rank promotion.
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Operational Priority
The Chief Constable's primary duty is to maintain public safety, which often prioritizes core Response functions over investigations.
Why Can You Be Moved?
Response Demand
If Response is critically under-resourced, the force can move detectives to ensure 999 calls are answered. CID is not immune to operational redistribution.
Performance Action
Recurring issues with investigation quality, case file standards, or court performance can lead to a "management move" back to Response.
PIP2 Failure
Failure to pass the NIE exam, complete the portfolio, or maintain accreditation can result in losing your investigative posting.
Force Strategy
Organisational Change
Changes to local policing models (LPM) or force-wide restructures can remove investigative posts entirely.
The Misconduct Safeguard
Important distinction: Management cannot use a "posting change" as a way to avoid formal misconduct procedures.
If the underlying reason for your removal from CID is an allegation of misconduct, the Police Conduct Regulations 2020 must be applied. You cannot be quietly moved back to Response as an informal "punishment."
Management moves must be documented as either operational necessity or performance/suitability action. If the move feels retaliatory (e.g., after a grievance), it should be challenged via the Federation.
Real-World Scenarios
The Resource Crisis
Response is down 10 officers due to sickness. The force directs CID to provide 2 PCs for 999 response for 3 months.
The Accreditation Wait
A DC in a training post fails the NIE twice. Management moves them back to Response to allow someone else the training post.
The Retaliation Move
An officer submits a grievance against a DI. The next day, they are informed they are being moved to Response without consultation.
The Financial impact
| Element | Impact |
|---|---|
| Base Pay | Unchanged. You remain a Constable on your current pay point. |
| CID Allowance | Will cease as the role no longer requires CID accreditation/duties. |
| On-Call Payments | Will cease unless you are on a Response on-call rota. |
| Overtime | Patterns will change to match Response demand and shift patterns. |
What to Do if Moving back to Response
Confirm if the move is a formal redeployment or temporary attachment.
Ensure your Regulation 22 notice periods are being honored for shift changes.
Consult your Federation if you believe the move is disciplinary in disguise.
Maintenance of PIP2: Request written confirmation that your accreditation stays valid.
Common Questions
Can police force you back to Response?
Yes. CID is a posting, not a rank. A Chief Officer has the delegated authority to redeploy any officer to a different unit (such as Response) for operational necessity or suitability reasons.
Is CID a permanent posting?
No. While many officers spend the majority of their careers in investigative roles, there is no regulatory 'right' to remain in CID permanently. All postings are subject to the needs of the force.
Do I lose my 'Detective' status if moved?
You may lose the 'Detective' prefix in your title if you are not in an investigative post, but your PIP2 accreditation remains valid unless it is formally rescinded or lapses due to a lack of maintenance/CPD over a long period.
Can they move me without misconduct?
Yes. Moves can be driven by 'Management Action' based on suitability, investigation standards, or simply a lack of resources on Response teams. It does not require a misconduct finding.
Independent regulation-based explanatory guidance. Investigative postings are subject to local force policy and PIP accreditation requirements. This guide does not constitute legal advice. For specific grievances regarding redeployment, always consult your local Police Federation branch.