Celebrating the graduation of our first Counter Terrorism cohort

22nd May, 2026

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Today marks a significant first for policing in England and Wales, as the very first cohort of Police Now officers specialising in Counter Terrorism have graduated from our National Graduate Programme. This milestone marks a new pathway into policing, as heightened threat levels reinforce the critical importance of Counter Terrorism.

Two years ago, Police Now developed this new pathway in partnership with Counter Terrorism Policing and the Metropolitan Police Service. The programme seeks to identify individuals with the aptitude, motivation and skills needed to develop in this specialism from day one.

This cohort brings a wealth of lived experience, backgrounds and perspectives into policing. As with all Police Now programmes, we continue to attract diverse talent, including 60% women, 27% from ethnic minority backgrounds, 16 languages spoken, representation from 41 universities, and 35% first-generation graduates. Together, they bring fresh perspectives, new skills and innovative thinking to a critical area of national security.

Officers began their journey in 2024 with 13-weeks of intensive training at our residential academy. During this time, they built core policing and investigative skills and completed the National Investigators Exam (NIE).

They then moved into force, gaining frontline experience and working in Criminal Investigation Department (CID) teams, before progressing to the Metropolitan Police Service’s Specialist Operations unit (SO15). There, they worked alongside experienced colleagues to prevent, deter, and investigate terrorist activity.

At a graduation event marking the end of the programme, participants joined colleagues, partners, and senior leaders to reflect on the past two years and the roles they are now stepping into.

Reflecting on her experience, one officer said:

“Graduating from this programme reflects a period of significant professional and personal growth for me, as well as the privilege of learning alongside individuals from diverse backgrounds, all united by a shared commitment to public service.
That’s what I value about Police Now - its focus on transforming communities by developing inspiring individuals to lead on the policing frontline. I know I’m making a difference, and I’m looking forward to continuing that beyond the programme.”

Chief Constable Catherine Roper of Wiltshire Police also addressed the cohort:

“In preparation for today, I considered the range of incredible achievements being celebrated - the learning, the operational commitment, the care for others, the professionalism and the positive difference you are already making for our communities. Policing is a privilege. To serve our communities is an honour. And their trust and confidence in us must be earned, respected and revered. It is not a right – and must be continually invested in through consistent professionalism and the highest standards of service.
Your course of study does not end today – but what an exciting moment this is for you all – to bring your knowledge and experience and be part of the future.
A huge congratulations from me and enjoy every step of the exciting journeys that await you.
Policing is the best possible career – now go out there and make it better.”

These officers will now continue to work in Counter Terrorism Policing, building on the skills, knowledge and experience they have developed over the past two years.

Following the success of the pilot, the programme expanded in March 2025 to other regions in the Counter Terrorism Policing Network – the North West and West Midlands. In July 2026, a third cohort of officers will begin the National Graduate Programme and join the Metropolitan Police Service and West Midlands Police – bringing more talented, driven individuals into counter terrorism policing and further strengthening the UK’s response to evolving threats and serious harm.