Sixty student officers have celebrated completing their initial training with Northumbria Police.

The officers were joined by their families and loved-ones to mark the milestone at a special ceremony last week.

Chief Constable Vanessa Jardine was also in attendance to wish the officers all the very best in the next stage of the policing career.

“It is always a real privilege to see officers progress through their training,” said Chief Constable Jardine.  

“They have all made a commitment to serve with integrity, compassion and pride – and each and every one of them has the opportunity to make a real and lasting difference to people’s lives.

“I wish them all the very best for the future.”

These recruits have come through the Graduate Detective Programme (GDP) and the Degree Holder Entry Programme (DHEP) routes into policing.

These are academic and professional programmes jointly delivered by officers from Northumbria Police and staff from Northumbria University.

Having completed their initial 16-weeks of training, they will continue their learning on deployment with more experienced officers.

Three Detective Constables, who have recently completed their two-year Police Now National Detective Programme, were also invited to join the event to receive their diplomas and celebrate their graduation. 

With police officer recruitment again open – you too could be following in their footsteps.

Chief Constable Jardine said: “I would encourage anyone who is passionate about where they live and who wants to have a positive impact on the lives of others to consider a career in policing.

“You will be joining officers, staff and volunteers who support each other and continually go the extra mile to deliver the very best service possible.

“Policing is truly a career like no other, one where you will be challenged both physically and mentally – but it is also incredibly rewarding.”

These latest officers replace retiring officers and form part of Northumbria Police’s commitment to increase numbers.

Welcoming the new officers, Northumbria Police and Crime Commissioner Kim McGuinness said: “More officers out in our communities is what everyone wants and the Chief Constable and I are doing everything in our power to deliver this and maintain an efficient and effective police service.

“People join Northumbria Police from all walks of life and these officers bring a welcome range of skills and backgrounds to the organisation.

“I want to congratulate them on the completion of their initial training and wish them long and successful careers doing the valuable work of fighting and preventing crime in the North East.”

*For more details about officer recruitment visit the Northumbria Police careers website.