DS French
DS French
Leading cases like no other
DS French transferred to the Ministry of Defence Police in 2019 with a wealth of experience. Having spent many years with Gloucestershire Police working across frontline uniform roles and criminal investigations, he arrived at MOD Abbey Wood ready for a new challenge — though perhaps not quite prepared for just how unique MDP would prove to be.
Fast forward to today, where he manages a team of investigators within the Intelligence, Crime and Operational Support (ICOS) department, handling priority and serious complex crimes across the MOD estate.
A Career Built on Both Sides of the Badge
DS French's policing journey has been defined by movement between uniform and investigative work - a pattern he believes has made him a better officer.
"Transitioning between uniform policing and investigations has allowed me to appreciate the challenges faced by both departments," he explains. "It has helped me overcome obstacles that might otherwise have seemed insurmountable."
After joining MDP as a PC at MOD Abbey Wood, he was promoted in post to Sergeant SPO — a role unique to the Ministry of Defence Police. It was a steep learning curve. Partnership working with stakeholders was at times challenging, but it gave him a breadth of organisational insight he would not have gained elsewhere.
When the opportunity to join ICOS presented itself, the timing was right. He was seeking a new challenge and keen to develop his supervisory skills in an investigations environment.
A Day Managing Complex Investigations
As a Detective Sergeant in ICOS, DS French leads a team responsible for investigating priority crime and serious complex cases across the MOD estate.
The work, he says, is genuinely unlike anything he encountered in traditional policing.
"These investigations are truly unique to the MOD," he explains. "They provide exposure to areas of business that are rarely encountered in other policing roles."
No investigation is ever the same - and that variety is precisely what he finds most rewarding. Cases carry genuine complexity, sensitivity, and in some instances, significant risk of harm. Many have protracted timelines that require patience, precision, and careful management.
A Supportive and Transformative Culture
DS French describes the working culture within ICOS as both supportive and transformative - shaped by recent changes across the MOD and MDP, as well as new senior leadership bringing fresh direction to the Force.
The breadth of experience within his team surprised him. Officers arrive from widely varying policing backgrounds, bringing different skills and perspectives to investigations that demand both.
Advice for future detectives
When asked what advice he would give himself on his first day in ICOS, DS French is candid:
"You will often need to peek beyond the threshold — and you should not be frightened of making a mistake."
This is the kind of environment where curiosity, courage, and a willingness to step into the unknown are genuine assets.
Interest in joining ICOS as a detective?
Find out more about how to apply.
