Over 300 new officers were attested yesterday across the two Police Now training Academies, joining over 2,000 other police officers that Police Now has recruited and trained over the last six years.

During the intensive Neighbourhood Academies, the participants will learn, practise, and develop their knowledge and skills to equip them as frontline neighbourhood officers, who will support communities that need them the most.

Officers on Police Now’s National Graduate Leadership Programme – a two-year programme which places graduates in some of the most deprived communities across England and Wales to tackle crime – will train at one of two Police Now Academies before continuing their training in their respective forces. Over the two-years, officers on the programme also work towards their Graduate Diploma in Professional Policing Practice.

A number of senior officers joined the attestation ceremonies to share some wisdom with the participants, including Chief Constable Charlie Hall QPM, Superintendent Ray Rogers (MPS) and Chief Superintendent Ian Green (WMP).

Speaking to the new recruits, Chief Constable Charlie Hall of Hertfordshire Constabulary said: “You will be shaping policing for the future. One of the things that sits at the core of Police Now is the community and helping your neighbourhood through problem-solving…Policing is one of the most rewarding jobs out there.”

Addressing recruits at the other academy, Chief Supt. Ian Green of West Midlands Police said: “Congratulations to all of you as you begin your policing journeys. You’re here to serve the public and be inspiring leaders, to help communities through really difficult times. People join the police to make a difference, and each and every one of you will change people’s lives when you go out there.”