NEWS: 55 student police officers head to the street

By Jessica Skelton

The largest intake of student police officers recorded in Dorset Police’s history are set to head to the streets. 

The 55 officers in training recently completed their classroom-based training, and after celebration are ready to monitor the streets of the BCP area. Where they will still be continuing to learn and develop their skills alongside a trained tutor.

Picture from end of course ceremony, 7th September 2023.

After being recruited in March 2023, due to the Police Uplift Programme, they attended their end of course ceremony on the 7th of September. This took place in Poole, and was attended by multiple family and friends.

Chief Constable, Amanda Pearson stated:

“I meet our student officers on the first day they arrive, and it is fantastic to see how they have flourished thanks to their commitment and enthusiasm and the dedication of our training team.

“These new recruits will mean there are more officers serving the people and communities of Dorset and they are all eager to get out into our communities and make a difference. I would like to wish them well in this next phase of their training.”

As part of the Government Uplift Programme, Dorset Police recruited 174 new officers. 8 officers above the allocation amount set by the Government.  This is excluding the normal recruitment required to replace those retiring, resigning and those leaving the force. As it states above, this is the largest intake Dorset Police have ever had and the young officers couldn’t wait to pass out and get to the streets.

Police and Crime Commissioner, David Sidwick relays his thoughts: 

“I was delighted to be at the historic day for the passing out parade of Dorset’s largest ever training course last week. To see so many new recruits joining Dorset was a great sight and I am very much looking forward to seeing those officers out and about in our communities, both serving and protecting the public.

“The people of Dorset tell me that they want to see more officers out and about and these will be part of fulfilling the commitment in the police and crime plan to be more visible, connected and engaged. We look forward to seeing these new recruits out walking the beat, preventing crime and making Dorset a safer place for all.”

Dorset Police are still recruiting, apply here.