You’ve passed – Constabulary’s first graduates are a class act

• Gloucestershire has its first squad of ‘graduate police officers’
• The Constabulary’s initial group of students on the Degree Holder Entry Programme has graduated from the University of South Wales
• Much of the training and classroom study took place at the Constabulary’s state-of-the-art Sabrina Training Centre in Berkeley, Gloucestershire
• Police and Crime Commissioner Chris Nelson said, “I hope these new officers are the first of many, and that they have long, successful and rewarding careers within the police”.

Gloucestershire Constabulary’s first group of students on the Degree Holder Entry Programme (DHEP ) has graduated from the University of South Wales.

The inaugural class of ’23 included 18 scholars who successfully completed the 26-week course, which launched in July 2020 and finished with a graduation ceremony last month.

Those who were successful also completed a minimum of ten weeks tutorship with the Tutor Assessment Unit before starting their duties on the front line as regular police officers.

Police and Crime Commissioner Chris Nelson, who took part in the graduation ceremony, said: “It’s always nice to be first, and I was delighted to be able to add my congratulations.

“There are some who are concerned that the graduate programme might stop those who are not academically gifted from entering the police. But, as crime becomes more widespread and complex, policing methods must also keep pace and it is interesting to see the support we have received from the wider public.

“I hope these new officers are the first of many, and that they have long, successful and rewarding careers within the police”.

Chief Constable Rod Hansen said, “My congratulations to all our graduates and I wish them every success in their future career.

“Their passion for policing has never wavered and their commitment to the core principles of policing remains high”

“The degree holder entry programme gives trainees a comprehensive grounding in all areas of policing but also an opportunity to focus on a specialist area like roads or response policing, investigation or intelligence.

“This prepares our new recruits in the best way possible to meet the many challenges of modern day policing and I have every confidence they will be magnificent in keeping our communities safe from harm.”

Head of Gloucestershire Constabulary’s Learning and People Development, Ruth Frett said: “This was our first group on the new degree entry programme to go through the Sabrina Centre, just after it was opened, and they have come through the training with flying colours.

“Their passion for policing has never wavered and their commitment to the core principles of policing remains high. I am proud of each and every one of them and have no doubt that they will make a difference to the communities of Gloucestershire whom we serve.

“I wish them all the very best as they embark on this exciting adventure of being with Gloucestershire Constabulary.

“I would also like to give great credit to the lecturers and trainers from the University of South Wales and the Constabulary’s Learning and Development team who have worked tirelessly to give these students the gold standard of training that will equip them for a lifetime of service to our local communities”.