A former scuba diving instructor, a pub landlord and a secondary schoolteacher are among the 49 new police officers welcomed to the Hertfordshire force this month.

Three cohorts of student officers – a total of 31 men and 18 women – completed their initial training within days of each other.

They came in via two different entry routes – the Initial Police Learning and Development Programme (IPLDP) and the Degree Holder Entry Programme (DHEP) – highlighting the flexibility offered for those wanting to start a career in policing.

Family and friends attended passing out parades held on Thursday, August 10, on Friday, August 4, and Wednesday, August 2, to celebrate as the new officers were presented with framed certificates by senior officers to mark their achievement.

Welwyn Hatfield Times: Chief Constable Charlie Hall and trainers, centre, at the August 2 passing out parade.Chief Constable Charlie Hall and trainers, centre, at the August 2 passing out parade. (Image: Hertfordshire Constabulary)

Hertfordshire Constabulary Chief Constable Charlie Hall said: “It’s a great delight to welcome them to our police family, as a force that’s putting crime and harm prevention first, we uphold, live and breathe the highest standards and continue to make a real difference to people.

“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.”

Some 33 of the student officers have come through the traditional entry route, the Initial Police Learning and Development Programme (IPLDP) for those with minimum educational qualifications and above.

Welwyn Hatfield Times: Deputy Chief Constable Bill Jephson, centre, at the August 4 passing out parade. Deputy Chief Constable Bill Jephson, centre, at the August 4 passing out parade. (Image: Hertfordshire Constabulary)

The other 16 joined via the Degree Holder Entry Programme (DHEP) for graduates with a degree in any subject.

These training programmes are two of four police officer courses available and they attract recruits from a wide variety of backgrounds.

 

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The latest cohorts to join the force include an ex-stonemason, secondary schoolteacher, warehouse worker, scuba diver instructor, retail manager, kitchen appliance fitter, insurance underwriter, Housing First Coordinator, pub manager, company director, pharmaceutical technician, and sales assistant.

Welwyn Hatfield Times: Deputy Chief Constable Bill Jephson, centre, at the August 10 passing out parade.Deputy Chief Constable Bill Jephson, centre, at the August 10 passing out parade. (Image: Hertfordshire Constabulary)

The student officers now begin their first postings, with eight based in Hertsmere and four in Welwyn Hatfield.

Eight are based in Watford, six in Dacorum, six in East Herts, five in Broxbourne, four in North Herts, three in Three Rivers, three in St Albans, and two in Stevenage.

If you feel inspired to become a Hertfordshire police officer, visit the police officer recruitment website at www.hertspoliceofficer.co.uk to find out how to apply and register your interest.