Cumbria Constabulary have welcomed their first ever cohort of officers who joined the force by the Degree Holder Entry Programme. 

On Wednesday, July 27, the force’s Chief Constable and Cumbria’s Police and Crime Commissioner joined the 15 officers and their families at a graduation ceremony in Penrith.

The officers, who held a previous degree-level qualification, enrolled on a two--year academic programme in May 2020 to obtain a policing diploma whilst carrying out frontline policing duties. All 15 officers are now fully operational as response officers.

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Chief Constable Michelle Skeer, Cumbria Constabulary, said: "I was delighted to attend today’s graduation ceremony which is a celebration of the efforts and work of each of these 15 officers.

"This was a proud moment for the officers themselves, as well as their family and friends.

"Combining academic studies for their policing diploma, whilst also carrying our operational policing roles, is challenging and it is credit to each of these officers for the way they have managed such demands.

"I would like to thank UCLan for their ongoing commitment, particularly the tutors who have supported these officers throughout their time so far with the Constabulary.

"These officers will now join the ranks of fully qualified response officers across the county in keeping communities safe."

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Peter McCall, Cumbria's Police & Crime Commissioner said: "It was great to see our first group of Degree Holder Entry Programme (DHEP) recruits graduate today, after two years of carrying out frontline duties whilst studying with UCLAN, to gain a Policing Diploma.

"The DHEP has enabled these graduates the valuable opportunity to gain hands on experience whilst furthering their academic qualifications, which is vital, as no two days in policing are ever the same.

"By offering a variety of different entry routes for new recruits in Cumbria, we are developing a diverse force, with officers from a range of backgrounds and life experiences.

"The rewarding and satisfying role for new recruits in the force provides the opportunity to start a career that helps shapes their communities, keep people safe and make a real difference and I know, like me, the public will look forward to seeing them in action."