Twelve new Hertfordshire police officers welcomed via traditional entry route

A dozen police officers have been formally welcomed to Hertfordshire Constabulary at their passing out parade having completed their Initial Police Learning and Development Programme (IPLDP) training course.

This traditional entry route into policing provides an excellent opportunity for those who do not have a degree to be employed as an officer from day one. Recruits receive on-the-job experience, blended with classroom and practical learning to gain a level three qualification in Professional Policing Practice after two years.

Family and friends of this cohort of nine men and three women, came along to help celebrate the completion of their initial training at police headquarters in Welwyn Garden City on Friday 10 March and the Chief Constable, Charlie Hall, presented them with framed certificates to mark their achievement.

“I’m proud to welcome these officers to their careers and put into practice what they have learned,” said Mr Hall: “They have been well trained to do their police work here in Hertfordshire.

“Policing is a great profession and you have a real opportunity to make a significant difference to people who need our assistance. We now have more officers than we have ever had, and the public want to see a strong police service, delivering great results for our communities in Hertfordshire.”

David Lloyd, Police and Crime Commissioner for Hertfordshire, said: “Congratulations to these new officers on passing their training and I am glad to see they will soon be out on frontline patrol across the county. They are part of our largest ever police force in Hertfordshire, which in part has been funded by increases in the council tax policing precept. The majority of the public have supported my decision to increase officer numbers and now they are seeing the return on their investment.”

The student officers will now start their first postings with three based in St Albans; two in Borehamwood; one in Watford; one in Abbots Langley; one in Hoddesdon; one in Stevenage; one in Harpenden; one in Hatfield; and one in Cheshunt.

We’re currently taking applications for four different police officer training courses, with something to suit everyone:

Initial Police Learning and Development Programme (IPLDP) course – the traditional entry route, train to be a police officer over two years. Candidates will be considered even if they do not have GCSE maths and English, usually minimum requirements.

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 placements, whilst completing training to obtain the relevant qualifications to become a detective.

↪️ 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)