New Wiltshire Police officers graduate degree courses
They'll now start joining local policing teams across the county
A set of Wiltshire Police students have graduated their degree courses, ready to start patrolling the county's streets.
Eighteen Police Constables and three Police Community Support Officers have completed their learning over up to three years.
They've graduated from either three year Police Constable Degree Apprenticeship (PCDA), two-year Degree Holder Entry Programme (DHEP) or 15-month Certificate in Community Policing Practices (CHE).
A ceremony's been held at Wiltshire Police HQ to honour their achievements in front of family and friends.
Chief Constable Catherine Roper made the first address to the newly graduated students. She said:
“Today marks a significant part of your policing career and an opportunity to reflect upon and celebrate your achievements in policing to date.
“Policing is a rewarding and wonderful career, and one where you will make a difference to many people’s lives. Be the best you can be and enjoy the next chapter of your policing career.
“Congratulations on arriving at your graduation.”
Wiltshire Police and Crime Commissioner Philip Wilkinson also extended his congratulations and reiterated his support to the newly graduated PCs and PCSOs. He said:
“Gaining a qualification which includes a combination of experience out on the beat, along with a rigorous academic structure, provides an excellent foundation for developing a successful career in policing.
“You play an important part in making Wiltshire a safer place to live and work and you have my full backing, and the backing of the people of Wiltshire to carry out your roles to the best of your ability.”