Nottinghamshire Police Launches Military Pathway to Boost Ranks
Nottinghamshire Police have kicked off a brand-new scheme aimed at turning ex-military personnel into police officers. With 2,408 officers on the force as of October 2022, they’re on a mission to recruit more top talent from the armed forces during their resettlement phase.
Military Service Leavers Get a Direct Route into Policing
The Military Service Leavers Pathway into Policing is a fresh, 16-week course approved by the University of Derby and backed by the Ministry of Defence. It’s designed for military folks eager to keep serving their local nottingham/" title="Nottingham" data-wpil-keyword-link="linked">Nottingham and Nottinghamshire communities—in uniform, but as police officers.
The programme starts with four weeks of online pre-learning from November 21, followed by 12 weeks of intensive training aligned with the Police Constable Degree Apprenticeship (PCDA). Successful candidates will officially join Nottinghamshire Police as constables in June 2023, continuing their three-year training while on the beat.
From Battlefield to Beat: A Real-Life Success Story
Take PC Steven Van Der Bank, 37, a former Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers mechanical engineer who did a tour of Iraq before swapping his combat boots for a police badge.
“Being in uniform attracted me—it’s just like the military. I felt like I’d been missing something since leaving the forces. I can survive and adapt in this environment, and I’ve never been bored,” said Steven.
Based in Kirkby-in-Ashfield, Steven works in response, tackling everything from drug busts to traffic operations and helping vulnerable locals. A single dad balancing family, studies, and the job, he says the police offer plenty of promotion opportunities and a real sense of purpose.
Top Brass Rally Behind the Scheme
T/Supt Amy Styles-Jones confirmed, “Nottinghamshire Police is eager to recruit talented, diverse individuals who want to make a difference. Military skills are invaluable here, and this pathway opens new doors for service leavers.”
Professor Kathryn Mitchell, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Derby, praised the initiative: “We’re proud to support veterans through this pioneering partnership, blending quality policing education with a commitment to those who’ve served.”
Jo Noakes from the College of Policing added, “This innovative programme values the experience military personnel bring. Policing needs recruits from all backgrounds, and we’re excited to see this pathway expand.”
Meanwhile, Defence Minister Sarah Atherton cheered the scheme: “This fantastic opportunity shows military skills are transferable to civilian life. It ensures our veterans can keep protecting UK communities.”
Ready to switch boots for a badge? Nottinghamshire Police’s new Military Service Leavers Pathway could be your ticket.
