Record headcount for Cambridgeshire Police Force as recruits pass out

A care worker, driving instructor and two soldiers were among the latest police officers to be welcomed to the force as they passed out today (Friday).

The 12 men and women graduated at force HQ and were presented to Chief Constable Nick Dean and Deputy Chief Constable Jane Gyford.

Two will now be posted to Wisbech, six will be posted to Cambridge, and four to Thorpe Wood Police Station in Peterborough.

Friends and family were unable to attend but were able to watch proceedings online.

It was the force’s fourth passing out parade of the year, bringing the total number of new recruits so far in 2021 to 53.

Last month, the force met its latest target for recruiting new officers as part of the national uplift programme more than nine months early.

It brought police officer numbers to 1658, the highest in its history and more than double the 728 head-count when the Mid-Anglia Constabulary was formed in 1965 by amalgamating Cambridge City Police, Isle Of Ely Constabulary, Huntingdonshire Constabulary and Peterborough Combined Police.

The force was renamed Cambridgeshire Constabulary in 1974 but retained the same boundaries.

The current officer headcount represents a 24% rise since September 2017 when it was 1332.

Addressing the recruits, Mr Dean said: “You have all joined with different experiences, different skills, ideas and approaches. We have employed you for what you bring to the constabulary.

“Diversity in all its forms, diversity of thought, ideas, and experience enriches our policing family and supports the communities it serves. Just as you will learn from your colleagues, we will also learn from you, learning never stops

“So uphold the law, remember our values and your values, but do it in your way, be you.

"And enjoy it, policing is challenging, it is complex and at times frustrating but it is also rewarding and exciting and worthwhile.”

The force is not currently recruiting for officers but has begun implementing new routes into policing under the Policing Education Qualifications Framework (PEQF).

The first recruitment window for applicants who will study for a fully-funded degree apprenticeship took place in the spring.

Those recruits will earn as they learn, work towards a degree in professional policing practice and receive on-the-job training.

For more information on the new routes into policing visit our website and follow us on social media to hear about future opportunities first.