WEST MIDLANDS Police’s newest recruits were some of the first in the country to pledge their allegiance to His Majesty King Charles III.
The new recruits swore the attestation oath in front of Chief Constable Sir David Thompson, Assistant Chief Constable Andy Hill, and Mark Aspinall Justice of the Peace.
Other officers present were given the opportunity to retake the oath if they wished.
They were also part of the latest cohort to be attested at the Police Now Graduate Leadership Programme academy.
During Police Now’s intensive, seven-week residential academy the new officers will learn, practise and develop the knowledge and skills required of the modern police constable.
They will then join their respective police forces across the country and work as neighbourhood police officers for the remainder of the two-year programme, where they will tackle crime and anti-social behaviour and increase the public’s confidence in the police service alongside their experienced force colleagues.
A total of 147 new officers from eight force areas will now join their respective police forces across England and Wales.
Whilst on the programme, they will also complete a Graduate Diploma in Professional Policing Practice with Liverpool John Moore’s University.
The officers were welcomed by Assistant Chief Constable Matt Ward who is the lead for improving trust and confidence in West Midlands Police and is the national policing lead for protecting Black people from victimisation and harm, as part of the Police Race Action Plan.
He was also the Gold Commander throughout the Commonwealth Games 2022.
ACC Ward said: “Remember why you joined and never forget that you are leaders for now and into the future.
“You have the opportunity to change the lives of others and I feel privileged to be here with you all today at the beginning of your policing journeys.
“I am excited to see what you’re going to bring to the service and look forward to seeing all of you at various stages throughout your careers, no doubt doing wonderful things locally, nationally and perhaps most importantly, for your communities.”
