The Investigations Academy has been chosen to be the long term partner in assisting the delivery of senior detective training for Thames Valley Police.

Designed as a three-week course at Thames Valley Police’s (TVP) training centre in Sulhamstead, the training includes practical training, incisive consultancy, alongside coaching and mentoring. 

Last week, delegates received an interactive and informative media training to practice communication techniques in complex criminal investigations.

About the three-week training, Simon O’Brien, founder of the Investigations Academy, said: “Brilliant subject matter experts meet for an up to date immersive learning platform, dealing with a very realistic investigation scenario, alongside excellent media training, with key reflections and decision making being captured at every stage. All delivered by caring, highly competent, fully qualified, facilitators who have been there themselves.

“And, done with tact and good humour – to make it very good learning.”

The Investigations Academy defines itself as “a diverse group of predominantly retired police officers and law enforcement professionals”. 

They say: “All have highly credible strategic and tactical backgrounds and care passionately about our lifelong professions.

“Our aim is to impart our hard-won knowledge onto the next generation of colleagues who currently sit at the frontline, across the public and private sectors.

“We are all like minded professionals, keen to unlock talent, and in so doing help build safer communities.”

Simon O’Brien, once a chief officer of police and later the Police Ombudsman for the Republic of Ireland, worked in fragile and conflict areas around the world such as Baghdad, Beirut, Northeast Nigeria which was followed by work with the Royal Jordanian Police, later the police in Nepal, then back to Nigeria to carry on vital work.

In 2010, he founded the Investigations Academy, to assist in making people and places safer. Highly satisfied clients include the Metropolitan, Kent, and City of London Police, along with Thames Valley, and Wiltshire constabularies. Other organisations also to include PoliceNow and CrimeStoppers.

To learn more about the Investigations Academy visit the website here.