11 new officers ready to keep Hertfordshire safe

Hertfordshire Constabulary has formally welcomed 11 new student officers, with four due to become police officer detectives.

Family and friends of the cohort attended a ceremony on Friday (1 December) at police headquarters in Welwyn Garden City, where they were able to celebrate the completion of their training. Chief Constable Charlie Hall presented them with certificates to mark their achievement.

Chief Constable Hall said: “Congratulations to all of you. I always feel very proud at these events as I enjoy meeting each and every one of you before you start your postings across the county, putting what you’ve learned into practice. It’s a great delight to share this moment with your friends and family.

“I might be biased, but I think you’ve made a great choice to join Hertfordshire Constabulary. You will continue to build on our strong relationships with our communities and help those who need us. Wearing the police uniform means a great deal as a police officer and the public expect us to uphold the highest of standards, which I know you will.

“I wish you all the best as you embark on your new career.”

The cohort all have varied backgrounds, including an NHS ICT Technical Support Analyst, a musician and a PCSO.

New recruit PC Caitlin Mockridge-Rice said: “Before I joined Herts police, I was a musician and worked for a musical instrument manufacturer and retailer. Policing interested me because I wanted to help people. The Sarah Everard revelations created a sense of needing to do something and joining the police felt like a way to be part of the solution. When the pandemic happened and the reality of working from home turned sour, the idea of the challenge and excitement of policing became something I began to think seriously about.

“When I told my friends and family I was going to become a police officer, they were all really surprised. However, the more they thought about it, they realised that I’d actually be well suited to this role. Of course, they all worry about my safety but they understand I’ll be well-supported by my team.

“I chose Hertfordshire because I liked that it was smaller, and from what I’d heard, more close-knit than other nearby forces. I also really appreciated the prevention first style of policing which Hertfordshire focuses on. As a career changer, the option to fast track to detective was really helpful as I’d be starting from the bottom of the ladder again. The location allowance also made taking a pay cut to change careers viable.”

Reflecting on her training, Caitlin said: “I really enjoyed training in small groups where we were all able to learn together and from each other. The trainers were both officers who can share stories of real-life situations, this enhanced the classroom experience. Participating in the practical role plays was always a highlight too.

“I’m really looking forward to the various postings in different departments and having the opportunity to experience different roles before focusing on a particular pathway.”

PC Daisy Jenkins said: “There were a few reasons why I wanted to join the police. I want to help mould the next generation, represent females and hopefully inspire more to join. I also want to show people that the police are here to support people and take a prevention first approach. I have a lot to give, and I wanted a career where I had the opportunity to upskill myself and develop as an individual both in and out of the workplace.”

If you feel inspired to join Hertfordshire Constabulary, visit Careers | Hertfordshire Constabulary (herts.police.uk) 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 Positive action and mentoring | Hertfordshire Constabulary (herts.police.uk)