Senior police officers plan, organise, direct and co-ordinate the resources and activities of a specific geographical or functional area of generalised or specialised police work. Senior officers of the British Transport Police direct the specialised police service for the railway network across Britain.
Liaises with senior officers to determine staff, financial and other short- and long-term needs plans, directs and co-ordinates general policing for an area or functional unit directs and monitors the work of subordinate officers establishes contacts and sources of information concerning crimes planned or committed directs and co-ordinates the operation of record keeping systems and the preparation of reports
Promotion to the rank of inspector can be by qualifying examination and practical assessment. There are no qualifying examinations to ranks above inspector; promotion is by selection only. There are accelerated promotion schemes available as well as the Direct Entry scheme which recruits external entrants with relevant skills directly to senior positions in the police force. All police forces have age restrictions and medical requirements.