Police Now boosts frontline diversity as new recruits land in forces across the country today 

Police Now is supporting the government’s pledge to boost neighbourhood policing numbers nationally, as the latest cohort of its National Graduate Programme lands in forces today.

The 98 new officers will specialise in neighbourhood policing, working directly with communities across the country to reduce crime and anti-social behaviour and build public trust and confidence in policing.

Of those recruited to this cohort of the programme, 29% are from an ethnic minority background – more than three times the policing workforce average across England and Wales (8.5%). 49% are female, compared to 36.1% of the policing workforce across England and Wales.

Police Now – a Times Top 100 Graduate Employer – brings difference and diversity to policing, to support forces to better represent the communities they serve and drive innovation across the sector.

The new recruits studied a diverse range of degrees from cybersecurity, economics, and international business, to mathematics, chemical engineering and psychology – as the organisation continues to bring new perspectives, ideas and backgrounds to the service.

Assistant Chief Constable of South Yorkshire Police Lindsey Butterfield addressed the national cohort on the final day of their academy training. She said: “Further investing in our neighbourhood policing teams gives us a real opportunity to boost frontline diversity – not only better representing minority groups but also bringing real difference and diversity of thought to the service. I have already heard great questions and new ideas from all of you here today, that show your commitment to supporting the communities we serve. You are the leaders of the future.”

The new officers have just completed the first stage of Police Now’s two-year graduate programme – a national, residential training academy – and will now gain experience on Response teams before specialising in neighbourhood policing.

They land in Avon and Somerset Police, the Metropolitan Police Service, South Yorkshire Police and West Midlands Police today.

Olivia Hill, who lands in Avon and Somerset Police today via the programme, said: “I had always been interested in policing, but hearing about aspects of police culture and seeing negative public narratives made me question my future in the field. That changed when I discovered Police Now. Their mission to drive meaningful change within communities and within policing itself resonated deeply with me. Police Now has been incredibly inclusive and supportive throughout, and I’m now more determined than ever to get out there and serve the community with integrity and purpose.”

Cydney Raphael, who lands in the Metropolitan Police Service today via the programme, said: “Police Now has given me the best foundation to drive positive change in policing and for the public. The academy has been intense but rewarding and allowed me to combine my love of learning with my love of working with people. I am ready now to embed myself in the centre of the community and become the best officer I can be.”

Cydney is one of 20 new officers joining the Metropolitan Police Service via the programme today, 60% of whom are female and 40% are from an ethnic minority background.