Nottinghamshire Police has introduced 56 new recruits from three distinct Policing Education Qualification Framework (PEQF) entry routes, all set to serve and protect local communities after completing their initial training. Family and friends gathered at Nottinghamshire Police Headquarters on Friday 17 February to celebrate the first pass out ceremony of the year.
This event was also significant as it marked Chief Constable Kate Meynell’s inaugural parade since she took command in December 2022.
Chief Constable Kate Meynell emphasized the force’s commitment, stating, “Our duty at Nottinghamshire Police is to fight crime, protect vulnerable people and make our communities feel safe and listened to. When carrying out our duties, our commitment is to serve with integrity, pride and compassion. When I talk about pride, I mean being able to look yourself in the eye at the end of your shift and be proud of what you’ve done – because that means you’ve done a good job.”
The first group of recruits graduated through the Professional Policing Degree (PPD) route, having completed a three-year degree before joining Nottinghamshire Police. Upcoming cohorts from the Degree Holder Entry Programme (DHEP) and Police Constable Degree Apprenticeship (PCDA) will have their pass out parades on 24 February and 31 March, respectively.
Sergeant Dylan Boddy from Learning & Development described this as a landmark moment for the force: “For the first time, all three PEQF entry routes are producing new officers almost simultaneously. We’re welcoming 56 fresh faces to the Nottinghamshire frontline in just a few weeks. Our recruits come from diverse backgrounds and experiences, helping us build a police force that truly reflects the communities we serve. Offering various paths into policing means we can recruit rapidly and effectively – great news for Nottinghamshire residents.”
Among the graduates was 24-year-old PC Will Brewer, who studied Professional Policing at the University of Northampton and gained experience as a Special Constable with Northamptonshire Police. He is now joining the Response team at Newark Police Station.
PC Brewer shared, “I’ve always seen the police as a beacon of hope in people’s darkest moments. A job where I can help those in need daily was something I couldn’t pass up. I’m eager to build comradery and be part of a team that feels like family while tackling every incident head-on.”
Nottinghamshire is participating in the nationwide Police Uplift Programme, a government initiative launched in 2019 to recruit 20,000 additional officers across England and Wales. Nottinghamshire Police met its target of 2,380 officers by March 2023, a year ahead of schedule, increasing its ranks by over 400 officers since the programme began.
The PEQF entry routes include:
- Police Constable Degree Apprenticeship (PCDA): A three-year programme combining on-the-job training with academic study. Recruits are police officers from day one and graduate with a BA Honours in Professional Policing Practice. Nottinghamshire partners with the University of Derby for this route.
- Degree Holder Entry Programme (DHEP): A two-year work-based programme for degree holders in any subject, leading to a graduate diploma in Professional Policing Practice and completion of probation.
- Professional Policing Degree (PPD): A three-year degree studied independently before applying to join. Special Constable roles may be available during study, with on-the-job training following entry.
Additionally, Nottinghamshire Police is the first in the UK to launch a pilot Military Service Leavers Pathway. This allows armed forces personnel transitioning to policing to use their enhanced learning credits for a 12-week residential course at RAF Cranwell during their final service year. Upon successful completion, they join Nottinghamshire Police and continue with the PCDA programme.
Regarding degree requirements, the government reversed last year’s rule mandating degree-level qualifications for trainee officers. The College of Policing is developing new non-degree entry routes, and the Initial Police Learning and Development Programme (IPLDP) remains available.
Nottinghamshire Police encourages applicants from all backgrounds who inspire and influence those around them, show courage and compassion, and respect race, diversity, and treat people with dignity. The force is committed to building a police service that reflects the community it serves. Could you be the next recruit to join Nottinghamshire Police?
Originally published by UKNIP.
