Nineteen new Hertfordshire police officers welcomed from a host of careers backgrounds

Nineteen police officers have been formally welcomed to Hertfordshire Constabulary and they come from a wide range of previous careers backgrounds, including retail, school catering, hospitality and sales.

Family and friends of this cohort of eleven men and eight women, came along to celebrate the completion of their Initial Police Learning and Development Programme (IPLDP) training course with a passing out parade at police headquarters in Welwyn Garden City on Friday 28 April.

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.

Chief Superintendent Dean Patient presented them with framed certificates to mark their achievement.

“Congratulations to everybody in this cohort on this momentous day, you approached your training with enthusiasm and vigour and should be proud of what you have achieved,” said Mr Patient. “It’s an honour and a privilege to be here with you today.”

The student officers will now start their first postings with five based in Stevenage; three in Broxbourne; two in Watford; two in Hemel Hempstead, two in St Albans; one in Royston; one in Borehamwood; one in Letchworth, one in Hatfield; and one in Oxhey.

They are now part of a police force that’s putting crime and harm prevention first.

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).