Three New Police Cohorts Ready to Hit the Streets
Three fresh cohorts from each entry route of the Policing Education Qualification Framework (PEQF) are set to serve local communities after completing their initial training.
Proud family and friends packed the stands to witness this milestone moment for the new recruits.
“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.”
Historic First: All PEQF Routes Graduate Together
The new officers graduated through the Professional Constable Degree Apprenticeship (PCDA) and other PEQF routes, marking a first for Nottinghamshire Police.
Sergeant Dylan Boddy from the Learning & Development team said: “This is the first time we’ve had cohorts from all three PEQF routes passing out in a short period of time, adding 56 new officers to Nottinghamshire Police.”
The 24-year-old sergeant, who previously gained experience as a Special Constable, hailed this as an exciting moment for the force.
Police Uplift Programme Surpasses Targets
The recruits are part of the Government’s Police Uplift Programme, launched in 2019, aiming to put 20,000 extra officers on UK streets.
Nottinghamshire Police was tasked with recruiting 2,380 officers by March 2023 – and beat the target with a whole year to spare. The force’s ranks have swollen by over 400 officers since the programme began.
Training for Modern Policing Challenges
Though entry routes vary, all new officers undergo rigorous classroom and practical training. Topics include law and powers, personal safety, managing volatile situations, first aid, and safeguarding vulnerable victims.
On-the-job training continues for up to three years, after which officers graduate to independent patrol duty.
Three PEQF Routes Explained
- Police Constable Degree Apprenticeship (PCDA): A three-year programme blending on-the-job learning with academic theory. Recruits are police officers from day one, completing probation while earning a BA Honours in Professional Policing Practice.
Nottinghamshire Police delivers this route in partnership with the University of Derby, ensuring all officers are trained to treat people with respect and dignity.
