New Cops Sworn In at Nottinghamshire Police HQ
Proud families, friends, and colleagues packed Nottinghamshire Police HQ last Friday to greet the latest wave of fresh-faced recruits. These rookies have already smashed through 21 weeks of tough training and are ready to hit the streets in both uniform and CID roles as they continue their two-year police training programme.
Deputy Chief Constable’s Rallying Cry
Deputy Chief Constable Steve Cooper pumped up the new officers, saying: “Policing is a rewarding and varied career. I’m thrilled to welcome these new recruits to our ranks. They’re starting an exciting but at times tough journey. We’ve spent the last 21 weeks preparing them to face those challenges head-on. I’m confident they will rise to meet them.
Serving with integrity, pride and compassion, they now have the chance to make a real and lasting difference to the communities we protect. I look forward to seeing their progress in the years ahead.”
Record Recruitment Boosts Force Numbers
Thanks to the Government’s Police Uplift Programme, launched in 2019 to add 20,000 extra officers across England and Wales, Nottinghamshire Police smashed their target early, growing their ranks by over 400 officers well before the March 2023 deadline.
The new recruits join a force already expanded to 2,380 officers and ready for modern-day challenges.
How to Join the Police – Your Route Options
There are several training paths into policing, all blending classroom learning with hands-on experience covering law, personal safety, first aid, and handling volatile situations.
- Police Constable Degree Apprenticeship (PCDA): A three-year programme combining on-the-job training with academic study. You start as a police officer from day one and earn a BA Honours degree in Professional Policing Practice at the end. Nottinghamshire Police run this with the University of Derby.
- Degree Holder Entry Programme (DHEP): A two-year route for degree holders from any subject. You serve as a probationer officer while completing a graduate diploma in Professional Policing Practice.
- Professional Policing Degree (PPD): Study a three-year degree independently before applying to join. During this time, you may serve as a Special Constable. On joining, you undergo shorter practical training.
Exclusive Military Pathway Launched
Nottinghamshire Police are trailblazers with the first Military Service Leavers Pathway in the country. Armed Forces personnel can use their resettlement credits to follow a 12-week apprenticeship programme that includes residential training at RAF Cranwell.
After leaving the military, they join Nottinghamshire Police to complete the final years of the PCDA, earning a degree and completing probation.
No Degree? No Problem… For Now
The Government reversed the requirement for police recruits to have degree-level education last November. The College of Policing is working on a fresh non-degree entry route, while the existing non-degree Initial Police Learning and Development Programme (IPLDP) continues for now.
Ready to Apply?
Nottinghamshire Police want applicants from all walks of life who:
- Inspire and influence others
- Show courage and compassion
- Respect race and diversity
- Treat people with dignity and respect at all times
If that sounds like you, step forward and join the force making a real difference in communities across Nottinghamshire.
