Cumbria’s Deputy Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner (DPFCC), Mike Johnson, met with some of Cumbria’s newest police officers, at Cumbria Constabulary HQ recently. The cohort of trainees, ranging in age from 19 to 30 years old, were in their first few weeks of training, as part of the three-year Police Constable Degree Apprenticeship (PCDA) programme.

A PCDA involves a programme of academic modules and exams, whilst also serving as a student police officer, with active frontline duties. Apprentices receive academic support from a tutor at the University of Central Lancashire (UCLan) and officers and staff from Cumbria Constabulary provide support in their ‘hands on’ operational role. As with traditional police entry routes, PCDA recruits spend an initial period in the classroom, before beginning police duties accompanied by experienced officers who coach them through their development.

DPFCC, Mike Johnson comments: “It was good to spend time with the new recruits starting their journey with Cumbria Police.

“Being a police officer is an extremely valuable and hugely rewarding career. It’s important that our officers receive the best possible training to equip them for a career serving the public.

“Degree apprenticeships is one of the many entry routes into the Police. Over a three-year period, the PCDA recruits gain a degree while also serving on active frontline duties. It is an attractive option, allowing recruits to gain an academic qualification, while receiving practical training, under the supervision of well-rounded, experienced Police Officers.

“During the last three years, we have recruited 169 additional Police Officers to the Force, as part of the Government’s Operation Uplift programme, and Cumbria now has 1,334 serving officers in our communities across the county, keeping us all safe. This is the highest number of Police Officers we have ever had in Cumbria.

“The Constabulary has made great progress in getting our newly trained officers through the necessary training and out into our communities, engaging with the public, helping to keep people safe and prevent and solve crime.”

Chief Constable Rob Carden, Cumbria Constabulary, said: “Combining academic studies for a policing diploma, whilst also engaged in an operational policing role, provides our recruits with a rewarding and varied training process that will provide them with the best start to their career in the police.

“The recruitment drive which has taken place in recent years has ensured that we have additional officers out there each day to make positive contributions to the safety of our local communities.

“We are continuing to look for people who want to make a positive difference to people in our county.

“This is a career like no other and if you are enthusiastic, dedicated and want to deliver an outstanding police service to keep Cumbria safe, then I would strongly encourage you to consider joining us.”

To find out more about careers with Cumbria Constabulary, please visit: www.cumbria.police.uk/join-us.