Cumbria Police has welcomed its first direct entry inspector as the force has taken part in a national scheme to recruit top talent.

John Bradley has been recruited from the College of Policing’s National Direct Entry programme.

There were 29 applications to the constabulary from a wide spectrum of candidates already in middle to top management positions.

Mr Bradley will now start a two-year training programme with 80 per cent of his time being spent on operational duties with experienced officers.

Superintendent Sarah Jackson, said: “This is a great opportunity for us, John will bring a new perspective to policing with a wealth of experience and a passion for serving the community.

“We are a forward thinking force who take pride in having a sustainable team of diverse staff and officers, this will be a fantastic opportunity to get a fresh pair of eyes on daily business.

“I am excited to support John’s journey, he is a great fit for the constabulary who will certainly help us keep at the forefront of policing.”

Cumbria’s Police and Crime Commissioner Peter McCall said: “I’d like to extend a very warm welcome to our first direct entry inspector. I believe that the Direct Entry programme offers a fantastic opportunity for talented individuals with several years of experience in other sectors to use their skills to help policing continue to evolve, innovate and adapt to new challenges, and I wish John well as he embarks on his career with Cumbria Constabulary.”

Mr Bradley said: “I am looking forward to the first day of the programme and the start of my career in this fantastic force.

“I have had a lifelong ambition to join the police and a huge passion for serving the community and will be working hard to make a positive difference to that community.

“I have most recently had eight years’ experience managing large operational teams where I had to make important often difficult decisions daily. Working as an inspector will be an exciting new challenge but one I am fully ready to take.

“I have already met some amazing officers and staff in Cumbria Constabulary and am keen to get out and about in the community as part of my training.”

Paula Light, Direct Entry Programme Lead from The College of policing said:

We are delighted to welcome John to the world of Policing and look forward to him starting his training programme with us and Cumbria Constabulary. Having passed the rigorous recruitment process and coming into Policing with a different perspective, we are sure he will prove to be an invaluable addition to Cumbria’s workforce during and following the completion of his training.