24 new recruits for Warwickshire

Twenty-four new recruits consisting of 12 regular police officers and 12 police community support officers have been sworn in at an Attestation Ceremony at the Police Headquarters in Leek Wootton on Wednesday 2 February at 3.30pm when they were officially welcomed into the force by Chief Constable John Burbeck.

The PCSO's have just completed their training programme and started work on the streets of Warwickshire on Monday, 7 February. Members of the public will be able to meet the new PCSO's whilst they are carrying out their duties in Rugby, Nuneaton, and Bedworth, where two officers will be posted in each town, as well as in Coleshill and Corley Services, Stratford, Henley in Arden, Leamington and Warwick.

This brings the total number of PCSO's employed in Warwickshire to 56

The regular recruits are just starting their training and join the force from a range of professions, for example the force welcomes a caseworker, Night supervisor and an Assistant Manager.

The force is also welcoming two individuals who already have experience of supporting the Warwickshire community.

Thomas Wright, has now joined the regulars after being a special constable for twelve months and will be based in the south of the county. Thomas said

"The specials gave me an insight into what working for the police is like and what it all involves. After a year I joined as a full time officer and the specials gave me useful experience that has helped me through the training."

Paul Painter is transferring from his role in the Communications Centre where he has been a call handler in the control room which takes 999 calls for thirteen years. Paul said

"After thirteen years with Warwickshire Police as a call handler, I felt I'd gone as far as I could and am ready for a new challenge."

Warwickshire recruits' initial training is based at Police Headquarters near Warwick where they develop an understanding of their role in the force and the forces' role in the community.

After two weeks at Police Headquarters they are then based at Ryton, the Regional Training Centre, for 15 weeks where they will develop a thorough understanding of the law, procedures and police techniques before they return to Warwickshire.

On their return to Warwickshire they will start a mentorship work programme with an experienced Constable. During this stage they gain real-life experience on the streets and within the community - continuing to make Warwickshire a safer place to be. The final postings for the recruits are yet to be confirmed, with four officers posted to the south of the county and the remaining eight to north Warwickshire.

After two years, probationer officers will have gained the training and experience needed to become fully-fledged police constables.