A cohort of 55 student police officers – the largest intake in Dorset Police’s history – have completed their classroom-based training.

The student officers were recruited as part of the national Uplift programme and began training in March this year. With their initial training finished, the group came together at an end of course ceremony in Poole in September, joined by family and friends. They will continue their training on Dorset streets alongside a tutor.

Chief Constable Amanda Pearson said: “It is always such a pleasure to attend these special ceremonies and to celebrate all that our student officers have achieved and learned over the last few months.

“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’s Police Uplift Programme, Dorset Police recruited 174 new police officers in addition to the normal annual officer recruitment required to replace officers who resign, retire or leave the force.

Dorset Police is recruiting for more police officers. To find out more, visit: https://recruitment.dorset.police.uk/dorset-police-careers/dorset-police-officers/dorset-your-police-career/