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The II MARCH Method: Your Secret Weapon for Detective Recruitment Success

If you're applying to become a detective through the direct entry route, you'll face a critical assessment that many candidates underestimate: the case study briefing. Whether presented as written text or video footage, this exercise is designed to test your analytical thinking and investigative approach.

The difference between success and failure often comes down to structure—specifically, how you organise and present your thoughts to experienced detective sergeants and inspectors.

Why Most Detective Candidates Fail the Briefing Exercise

The most common mistake? Jumping straight into action without proper analysis.

When presented with a scenario, most candidates immediately focus on what they would do—the method or actions they'd take. This approach misses crucial preliminary steps that experienced detectives prioritise before taking action.

Introducing the II MARCH Framework

After 31 years of supporting officers through specialist recruitment and promotion processes, we've adapted the Joint Emergency Services Interoperability Protocol (JESIP) framework into a powerful structure for delivering investigative briefings.

The II MARCH method gives you a clear, logical structure that demonstrates your investigative thinking and sets you apart from other candidates:

I - Information and Intelligence

Begin with the phrase seasoned detectives use: "Based on the current information and intelligence available to me..."

Unlike other candidates who rush to action, demonstrate your analytical mindset by systematically addressing:

• What information and intelligence you currently have access to

• What information and intelligence you don't have but need

• Where you'll obtain the missing information

• What unknown elements might exist ("what don't we know that we don't know")

This approach immediately signals your professional curiosity—a quality that assessors prize in detective candidates but rarely see demonstrated.

I - Intention

Next, outline your intentions using the five building blocks of criminal investigation:

1. Secure and preserve life - Consider all potential victims, including those who may not be immediately apparent

2. Protect the scene - Without this, forensic evidence may be compromised

3. Secure and preserve evidence - Ensuring proper handling and continuity

4. Secure witness testimony and digital evidence - Including CCTV, ANPR, and other digital sources

5. Safely apprehend suspects - Note how this comes fifth, not first

By structuring your intentions this way, you demonstrate a methodical approach that prioritises both public safety and evidential integrity.

M - Method

Only now do you outline your specific actions—and even here, use the five building blocks as your structure. This ensures your method logically flows from your intentions.

Include concepts like the forensic triangle and Locard's Exchange Principle ("every contact leaves a trace") to demonstrate your technical knowledge.

A - Administration

Detail the resources, authorities, and logistics required for your investigation.

R - Risk Assessment

Outline potential risks to officers, the public, victims, and the investigation itself.

C - Communication

Explain your communication strategy with key stakeholders, including other officers, victims, witnesses, and partner agencies.

H - Health and Safety / Human Rights

Address both officer safety concerns and the human rights considerations that will guide your investigation.

Delivering with Confidence and Structure

The key to success is delivering each section as distinct "chapters" rather than "topic hopping" between elements. Even our Academy members initially struggle with this discipline, often jumping between intentions and methods or circling back to add forgotten information.

With practice, you'll develop the ability to deliver a briefing that flows logically and comprehensively—a skill that will impress even veteran detectives.

The "Secret Interview" That Follows

Be prepared for the questioning that follows your briefing. Assessors will test your decision-making, challenge your approach, and probe your values. This is where your preparation truly pays off—when you can confidently defend your analysis while remaining open to new information.

Stand in the Top 10%

In my 13 years as an inspector across three different forces, including time in CID, Special Branch, and international drug intelligence units, I've seen countless detective briefings. The brutal truth? Only about 10% were truly excellent, with 70% falling well below standard.

Our Academy members consistently join that top 10%, delivering briefings that make assessors think: "This is better than what most of my current officers can deliver."

A Framework for Your Future Career

This isn't just about passing an assessment—it's about developing a skill that will serve you throughout your detective career. The II MARCH method becomes a powerful tool for analysing cases, briefing colleagues, and ensuring thorough investigations.

Ready to Master the Detective Briefing?

With over 750 five-star TrustPilot reviews and a 95% success rate for our Academy members in the police recruitment process, our track record speaks for itself. When was the last time one of our Academy members failed the detective recruitment process? I genuinely can't remember.

Book your free, no-obligation discovery call today. We'll discuss your specific challenges, outline how our Academy can support you, and help you decide if our approach is right for you.

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Join the aspiring detectives who've transformed their assessment performance through our structured, professional approach.