Proud day as new training scheme produces first police officers

Response teams across the county are welcoming new recruits after a new training programme produced its first police officers.

Proud families were in attendance as nine student officers took part in a pass out parade, having completed their initial training.

They will now join response teams across Nottinghamshire to gain valuable experience and continue their development.

The new recruits are part of the Police Constable Entry Programme (PCEP) – a non-degree route into uniformed policing.

Nottinghamshire Police volunteered to be an early adopter of the three-year training programme, with the first cohort starting in March. The force was one of three forces nationally to adopt the new programme early ahead of its nationwide launch.

It provides new recruits with a blend of classroom-based learning and practical on-the-job experience.

PC Adam Buttery, one of the cohort’s trainers, said the pass out parade meant the cohort could now leave the classroom and experience real frontline policing for the first time.

He said: “The initial training has lasted almost six months and it’s gone well. They’re a good group and they’ve bonded well.

“They’ve performed well in the classroom and listened attentively to speakers. They’ve also had trips out to learn about community cohesion and visited the courts in Nottingham, while also seeing other parts of Nottinghamshire Police such as the control room.

“We’ve had a good mix of people on the cohort. Some are completely new to policing and include a former bus driver, a petrol station cashier and an ex-trainee solicitor. Others already worked at Nottinghamshire Police in a different capacity such as a PCSO.

“There’s a good age range too. The youngest is 21 and the oldest is 43. Some are living at home with parents and others are married with kids. It’s a good variety of people from various different backgrounds.”

Among the new recruits was PC Serena Ali, who is joining the Response team at Radford Road Police Station. 

The 21-year-old said: "Before this, I worked in retail and one of the places that I worked had a lot of police officers coming in and out.

"They all seemed to really enjoy the job and just speaking to them about their shifts and their days inspired me to apply myself.

"I'm really looking forward to being a police officer. It'll be fast-paced and no day will be the same - it'll certainly keep me on my toes!"

PC Laura Sims, who is joining Broxtowe Police Station, was also among those passing out, having previously been a PCSO.

The 33-year-old said: "I really enjoyed being a PCSO but applied to be a police constable as I wanted to be to do more.

"I'm really happy and feel really proud to now be a police officer and am looking forward to starting my new role." 

Friday’s pass out parade was overseen by Deputy Chief Constable Steve Cooper, who said: “It’s always a proud moment to see new officers join the force in front of their friends and family.

“They are embarking on a hugely rewarding career where they will make a positive difference every day.

“These officers each bring a variety of skillsets and talents to the police service and will quickly be fighting crime, protecting vulnerable people and ensuring our communities feel safe and listened to.

“We’re committed to serving with pride, compassion and integrity and these new officers will be part of our continued goal to deliver an outstanding service we can all be proud of.

“We wish them well and thank them for stepping into a role that is critical to keeping our communities safe.”

The PCEP is among various entry routes into policing. To find out more, visit our website here.