Two dozen new recruits start police training

New police recruits have begun their training ready to help communities in difficult times.

The 24-strong team of new police constables joined Durham Constabulary for the start of a rigorous 13-week classroom-basedtrainingprogramme.

They will then take part in a 10-week period under the supervision of a tutor in their assigned neighbourhoods beforegoingoutonthebeatonthe streets of County Durham and Darlington.

The new officers follow 24 PCsand20PCSOswhostarted their training earlier this year.

All applied before the coronavirus pandemic and have had to get used to new ways of working at the force’s dedicated training centre.

Thenewintakeweresworn in by magistrates on Tuesday at a ceremony held over Skype while the trainee constables are being split into smaller classes to allow for social distancing measures.

Over the next few months they will be put through their paces learning everything fromlawsandlegislation,right through to police powers of arrestandstopandsearch,investigative skills and supporting victims.

Chief Constable Jo Farrell said: “It’s a pleasure to welcome our new recruits to the team as they embark on new careers which will see them make a huge difference to the lives of people in the communities they serve.

“These are unprecedented times and a unique challenge, one which our new recruits wouldnothaveexpectedwhen they first filled in the application form to join Durham Constabulary.”

Durham Constabulary expects to reopen recruitment for another 24 constables in May. Anyone interested can visit www.durham.police.uk