Proud families enjoy first passing out parade post-COVID

Proud families and friends were able to watch our newest police officers being officially welcomed to Hertfordshire Constabulary yesterday (Monday 7 March) – for the first time in two years.

Proud families and friends were able to watch our newest police officers being officially welcomed to Hertfordshire Constabulary yesterday (Monday 7 March) – for the first time in two years.

Chief Constable Charlie Hall presented the 12 new apprentice police officers framed certificates to mark the end of their initial 22 weeks’ training. They include a former Royal Navy head chef, legal clerk and ex-retail workers ready for a new challenge.

“There’s nothing I enjoy more than welcoming new police officers into our police family, and I was delighted to welcome their families and friends to celebrate their achievement at police headquarters,” he smiled.

“COVID restrictions have prevented us from hosting this important day for the police officers and their family and friends for two years, so it was wonderful to get back to normal.”

He said: “We heard from the training team how this group tackled their training with grit and determination and I know they will do me and their families proud.

“They will spend the next two and a half years continuing their on-the-job training as they work towards gaining their degrees in Professional Policing Practice.

“We’re still recruiting police officers from all backgrounds and walks of life, and I would especially encourage applications from Black, Asian and ethnic minority people as we want to represent the communities we serve. Our dedicated Positive Action recruitment team are there to support you, with serving officers volunteering to mentor hopefuls as they prepare their application. Just get in touch.”

The student officers start their first postings across the county on Monday 14 March, with two based in Broxbourne, North Herts, St Albans and Watford, and one each in East Herts, Hertsmere, Three Rivers and Welwyn Hatfield.

Their initial training included a mixture of classroom based and practical sessions, covering a vast range of topics including law and powers, personal safety and dealing with volatile situations, first aid and safeguarding vulnerable victims. On-the-job training continues for 2½ years until officers are declared fit for independent patrol and graduate.

Police and Crime Commissioner for Hertfordshire, David Lloyd said: “Speaking to these new officers yesterday I got a real sense of their commitment to help the people of Hertfordshire. They will be there for members of our communities during times of their greatest need, and we should all be thankful for that.

“They are a vital part of our largest every force, which already has more front-line officers in Hertfordshire than at any time in its history, and it will continue to expand further during the forthcoming year.”

There are several entry routes which all involve on-the-job training after an initial 22-week course:

👉 Police Constable Degree Apprenticeship (PCDA) – join as a police officer and achieve a BSc (Hons) degree in Professional Policing Practice. This is a three-year, work-based, practical and vocational degree.

👉 Degree Holder Entry Programme (DHEP) – graduates with a degree in any subject can achieve a Graduate Diploma in Professional Policing Practice while training as a police officer over two years.

👉 Accelerated Detective Constable Programme – a year of intensive training and practical experience followed by a year of three crime attachments, whilst completing training to obtain the relevant qualifications to become a detective.

👉 Initial Police Learning and Development Programme (IPLDP) course – we still have a few old-style courses running. Train to be a police officer over two years.

↪️ If you feel inspired to become a Hertfordshire police officer, visit our police officer recruitment website (opens in a new window) to find out how to apply and register your interest.

↪️ Through our ‘Positive Action’ scheme, Hertfordshire Constabulary is committed to building relationships with under-represented groups and encouraging them to join our policing family. For more information and support visit our police officer recruitment website diversity page (opens in a new window)