Twenty-one new trainee Detective Constables join Northumbria Police today (Monday 27th June) via Police Now’s National Detective Programme, having completed their initial academy training.

Their training began in March, when 170 new officers were attested at Police Now’s detective academy. The 14-week academy equipped participants with the core knowledge and skills required in modern investigative work, including managing crime scenes, making arrests, handling complex investigations, and first aid and officer safety training. Participants also sat their National Investigators’ Exam and completed field training shifts in Northumbria Police’s Response and Criminal Investigation Departments.

Trainee Detective Constable Sophie Marsh, who joins Northumbria Police today via Police Now’s programme, was presented with the ‘Outstanding Performance Award’ at the academy closing ceremony. She used her previous experience in the prison service to inform her work and exemplified the qualities of a true leader, inspiring and motivating her fellow trainee detectives and always providing support to those who needed it.

She said: “I chose to join the police as I wanted to start a career which is challenging and at times unexpecting, but also extremely rewarding. The Police Now detective programme has provided me with the opportunity to be immersed into a policing environment whilst learning the key skills and strategies which create not only a great police officer, but a successful detective.

“My favourite part of the programme has been meeting people from different backgrounds and stages in life, who are embarking on the same career path. It has been extremely challenging at times but the support from the team has been unmatched and we’ve all completed the journey together. Now that I am landing in force, I am looking forward to learning more about the community that I will be policing and helping those who are going through some of the most difficult times of their lives.”

Trainee Detective Constable Mary Mahon also joins the force today, from her previous role as a support worker for people with neurological diseases and paralysis. She said: “The Police Now academy was challenging and intense, but it has really helped me build my confidence and skills and build strong bonds with my Police Now colleagues both inside and outside the classroom. I can’t wait to land permanently in Northumbria Police and embark on the next step of my career.”

The new officers will now continue Police Now’s two-year National Detective Programme within their force, where they will be supported by Police Now coaches and force colleagues to play an integral part in solving crimes and supporting victims of crime across Northumbria. They will also work towards their Graduate Diploma in Professional Policing Practice in partnership with the University of Huddersfield.

Detective Sergeant Maria Bartley, one of two experienced officers seconded from the force to train the new detectives at the academy, said: “I have been a police officer for more years than I care to remember and a detective for the last 15 years.

“I joined Police Now’s academy as I am very passionate about inspiring the next generation of detectives to prevent crime and protect the vulnerable from harm. I have had an incredibly diverse career and it was important to me to show others what they can achieve and the opportunities that are available to them within policing.

“The commitment I have seen from the students that I have taught, and Police Now as the provider of the course, has been incredible and I have loved being a part of it. I am so proud of everyone who has been part of this academy and whilst I may not be able to witness their progress over the years to come (I retire in September) I will of course be one of the many members of the public which they serve. It’s been a pleasure, thank you.”

Sergeant Viktorija Karaniauskaite, who was also seconded from Northumbria Police to train the new detectives, said: “These officers are demonstrating very high potential and will no doubt be the future leaders of policing. I’m very excited to see what they will achieve in their careers.”