DS Hussein Fulat

What made you want to become a detective?

I have been a detective for six years, previously I had spent 13 years working in a variety of roles including response, neighbourhoods and pro-active units focusing on acquisitive crime. However I wanted to get more out of policing by investigating more serious crimes and securing convictions against individuals who cause harm to our communities.

Which detective role did you go in to first?

I was a trainee detective in South Manchester which was a busy area to work. I felt a huge amount of pride that I was able to police the community I grew up in. There was a wide variety of serious and complex investigations some of which were very challenging when victims or witnesses do not wish to come forward.
My training was an intense six week course. I would say that this is the best course I have been on in the police. It really opened my mind into the world of criminal investigation and the good work detectives do in order to secure a convictions.
I have worked in both overt and covert detective roles. One of the best investigations I was involved in was a robbery. I along with other detectives were able to piece together the sequence of events of the night and identify the same suspects were responsible for a violent disorder and a serious assault. Through our hard work crucial evidence was secured to arrest the suspects for all the offences identified. As a result of the investigation the suspects were convicted and the potential for more crime to be committed was averted.

What is it like being a detective?

I currently work as a Detective Sergeant. My current role involves supervising my Detective Constables crime enquires providing investigative advice and also attending incidents which require my presence. I have a good team who have a “can do” attitude and work really well together. There are times when you can get frustrated however you will always have a number of critical friends you can rely on for advice and guidance.
Although working shifts can be quite demanding I do have a good work life balance. My family and friends are really proud of what I do and are very supportive even when on occasion I have to work long hours.

What are some of your greatest achievements on the job?

The greatest achievement for me is achieving a positive result for the victim and/or community when a conviction is secured. The satisfaction you will feel from securing that conviction and bringing justice for the victim / community makes all your hard work and effort worth it. Another achievement is talent spotting officers from underrepresented groups and mentoring them to achieve their potential as a detectives.

Would you recommend this job to people?

I would recommend becoming a detective for anyone who likes to pay attention to detail and wants to secure convictions against people who cause harm to our communities. It also important to have good communication skills as often how we communicate and build a rapport with a victim or a witness may be the difference in that person coming forward and providing the crucial evidence.
Being a detective is not easy as there is a tough exam to pass first and a portfolio to complete. You have to be really organised in everything you do from your revision, portfolio, your investigations, preparing a case for court or preparing for an interview with a suspect or vulnerable victim.