Bomb Disposal Corporal Trades Uniform for Police Badge
Corporal Christopher Wagstaff is swapping the Royal Engineers for the police force. The 33-year-old bomb disposal expert from Mansfield is gearing up to chase a lifelong dream – becoming a cop with Nottinghamshire Police.
Groundbreaking Military to Police Training Programme Launched
Wagstaff is part of a pioneering 12-week pilot course at RAF Cranwell, designed specifically to fast-track military leavers into policing. The Military Service Leavers Pathway into Policing, launched by Nottinghamshire Police and the University of Derby, is the UK’s first direct employment route for service personnel transitioning to police officers.
The scheme, backed by the Ministry of Defence, fast-tracks recruits through the first year of the Police Constable Degree Apprenticeship (PCDA), blending military skills with police training.
From Bomb Disposal to Community Protection
“I have always wanted to be a police officer from a very young age. Watching programmes such as The Bill in my early teens really reinforced this,” said Wagstaff.
“I like helping people and I feel I have done this in the Army. Now I want to directly serve the community I live in. I feel I have the life experience to be a good officer and hope to make this my career until retirement. I’d love to work in roads policing.”
Experts Back New Military Recruitment Drive
Defence Minister Dr Andrew Murrison praised the initiative, calling it “innovative and exciting.” He added: “This fantastic opportunity for our service leavers is recognition of the skills they gain in the military.”
Nottinghamshire Police and Crime Commissioner Caroline Henry said: “Military service leavers bring invaluable life experience, professionalism and teamwork. This new pathway taps into that talent, strengthening our veteran-friendly force.”
With 110 ex-service personnel already serving on the force, the scheme is set to inspire other police forces across England and Wales to follow suit.
