During the seven-week residential academy, the officers have developed the knowledge and skills required of a police constable, and put their learning into practice during a handful of field training shifts in their respective police forces.  

To mark their final day, the academy delivered several sessions and activities, including hosting a ‘Policing for Change’ panel with three senior guests: 

• Assistant Commissioner Nick Ephgrave QPM of The Metropolitan Police Service – currently seconded to the NPCC and responsible for the Criminal Justice Portfolio 
• Garry Shewan QPM – Senior Lecturer at Liverpool John Moores University and former Assistant Chief Constable of Greater Manchester Police  

• Simon Rose – Cambridge Centre for Evidence Based Policing and former Detective Chief Superintendent of The Metropolitan Police Service  

The panel discussed the use of ‘stop and search’ and explored ways to increase public confidence and trust in these statutory police powers, such as ensuring proportionality and continually monitoring effectiveness.  

Closing the panel, Assistant Commissioner Nick Ephgrave, said: “Stop and search, when used properly, is a useful tool to prevent violence from happening and can provide a deterrence effect in the long term, but remember that it’s crucial that we maintain the confidence of communities in using this vital power.

“We’ve given you lots to think about during this session which is important as you’ll make key decisions every day as a police officer. Welcome to policing and congratulations on completing your Police Now academy training.”

Richard McCann, motivational speaker and founder of the iCan Academy, delivered an inspiring and thought-provoking session, sharing insights into his personal experiences with the police and commending the cohort on their chosen career path.