227 new trainee detective constables were attested at Police Now’s academy today (Monday 20th March).

These new officers will be deployed across 14 forces in England and Wales and have officially started their training today at Police Now’s intensive 13-week National Detective Programme academy. Here they will learn, practise, and develop the knowledge and skills required in modern investigative work, before sitting their National Investigators’ Exam and joining their respective forces for the remainder of the two-year programme and beyond. 

Over the course of the two-year programme officers play an integral part in tackling and solving crime, supporting victims and building public trust and confidence in policing. They will also work towards their Graduate Diploma in Professional Policing Practice, in partnership with Liverpool John Moores University. 

Police Now has partnered with 35 police forces across England and Wales, recruiting and supporting over 2,600 officers into the service via the National Detective Programme and National Graduate Leadership Programme.  

Minister of State (Minister for Crime, Policing and Fire) Chris Philp delivered a digital address to the new officers starting their academy training today. They were also addressed in person by West Mercia Police Chief Constable Pippa Mills, Justice of the Peace and Deputy Bench Chair of the East London Justice Area Tina Hayhow, and Police Now’s Programmes Director Farhat Sadik. 

Minister of State (Minister for Crime, Policing and Fire) Chris Philp said: “Policing is a career like no other and now more than ever we need dedicated and talented people working to protect the public and drive down crime. 

“In your role, you will have a unique opportunity to help and protect the most vulnerable people in society and help drive the innovation that is needed in the face of ever changing and evolving threats. 

“The work you’ll be doing is of the utmost importance for our society and for our country and I wish you every success.”  

Addressing the officers at their attestation ceremony, Chief Constable Pippa Mills said: “When I first joined the police my determination was no doubt driven by the same motivation that prompted you; a desire to make a positive difference to my community and help people when they need it the most. 

“When you were sworn into the office of constable a few moments ago, a unique set of powers were bestowed upon you. This brings with it significant pressures and responsibilities. Remember that you have been selected for this programme as you possess the talent, attributes, and potential to thrive. We want to celebrate your differences and varied backgrounds. We need your range of ideas and approaches, your styles, personalities and views. You have the potential to influence generations. 

“Policing is challenging and complex, but you’ve got an incredible opportunity to make a positive impact on society and improve the lives of the most vulnerable. You have exciting and varied careers ahead of you. Enjoy them, make the most of them, stay motivated and take pride in what you do.” 

The National Detective Programme launched in 2019 as a pioneering scheme to assist police services in England and Wales with the recruitment, training and development of detectives in the face of a well-publicised national shortage of investigators. This is the largest cohort of detectives recruited onto Police Now’s National Detective Programme to date, and the last cohort of Police Now officers to join the service under the government’s Police Uplift Programme, which is on track to recruit 20,000 new police officers by 31st March 2023.