Nearly 80 new officers taken on by Northumbria Police

The latest cohorts have come from all walks of life – including actors, nurses, journalists and glassblowers – and started the next phase of their careers.

A total of 77 officers were inducted and welcomed by Chief Constable Winton Keenen and Police and Crime Commissioner Kim McGuinness during a series of special ceremonies.

Chief Constable Keenen said: “It always brings me great joy to welcome a new cohort into our ranks and I take great pride in meeting officers on their first day.

“Every day in this job brings with it an opportunity to truly have a positive impact on the lives of others.

“Policing is a career like no other – diverse, exciting, challenging and incredibly rewarding. I wish the new recruits very long and happy careers as part of our policing family.”

He added: “We are determined to recruit extraordinary people from every element of our diverse communities, people who will bring those high standards we have all come to expect from Northumbria Police

“Police officer recruitment opens again soon and if you’ve always dreamed of joining the police and making a real difference in your community, then please do apply.”

The 77 recruits who joined will now begin an extensive training programme – which will include time in the classroom and on patrol alongside their more experienced colleagues.

Northumbria Police and Crime Commissioner, Kim McGuinness, said: “Local people have made it very clear that they want more police and that’s exactly what is happening.

“We are not only smashing Government targets for 2020/21 but we’re exceeding them, which is great.

“It takes so much hard work and dedication to become a police officer and it’s particularly challenging with a pandemic going on. That said, the recruits I met yesterday were certainly all taking it in their stride.

“It’s an interesting group of people we have joining – these students are from a range of backgrounds and are bringing some fresh new skills which will really strengthen the workforce as a whole.

“I wish them every success in their chosen career and I know local people will look forward to seeing them patrolling the streets one day soon.”

For more information on Police Officer recruitment visit https://careers.northumbria.police.uk/police-constables/