Three fresh batches of police recruits are ready to hit the streets after completing their initial training under the Policing Education Qualification Framework (PEQF).
New Recruits Join Nottinghamshire Police
Family and friends gathered proudly to watch 123 new officers graduate, marking a big step in serving their local communities.
“When I talk about pride it really is as simple as, when you’ve finished your tour of duty, I want you to be able to look yourself in the eye and be proud of what you’ve done – because if you’re proud of what you’ve done, you will have done a good job.”
First Time All PEQF Routes Graduate Together
These new officers come through three different PEQF routes, including the Professional 123 programme.
Sergeant Dylan Boddy from Learning & Development called it “an exciting time” for the force, noting this is the first time cohorts from all three PEQF entry routes have graduated within a short period.
In total, 56 new police officers joined Nottinghamshire’s Professional 123 before officially joining the force.
Recruitment Success as Police Ranks Swell
The 24-year-old Sgt Boddy, who previously served as a Special Constable, highlighted the force’s role in the Government’s Police Uplift Programme.
Launched in 2019 to add 20,000 police officers nationwide, Nottinghamshire Police was tasked with reaching 2,380 officers by March 2023. They smashed this target, hitting the mark a whole year early and increasing the force by over 400 new officers.
Inside PEQF: Three Routes to Becoming a Cop
All PEQF routes mix classroom learning with real-world training covering law, personal safety, first aid, safeguarding vulnerable people, and handling volatile situations.
On-the-job training continues for up to three years before officers graduate from probation and patrol independently.
Here’s what you need to know about the PEQF entry routes:
- Police Constable Degree Apprenticeship (PCDA): A three-year course combining academic study and practical experience. Apprentices start as police officers on day one, completing probation and earning a BA Honours in Professional Policing Practice. Nottinghamshire Police deliver this route in partnership with the University of 123.
