THERE WAS double delight at West Midlands Police as the force welcomed its newest recruits and held its first passing out parade in 19 years.
The new officers are the first cohort from West Midlands Police’s Internal Police Officer Campaign (IPOC) and they have just completed a bespoke 18-week training programme designed to ensure they’re able to make the transition into fully operational student police officers.
Now, they will be posted onto placements across our local policing areas (LPAs) to begin their journeys as officers.
Passing out parades are a very special occasion for newly qualified officers and their loved ones. It’s an opportunity to celebrate their hard work and dedication to joining the force, as well as congratulating them for completing their initial training.
There was a real show of support for the new recruits as they were joined by very proud friends and family to mark the occasion.
Chief Constable Craig Guildford and Superintendent Sallie Churchill hosted the ceremony and addressed the students.
Both spoke about their own experiences and what the new recruits have in store.
Class representative speakers Police Constable James Blanton and Police Constable Hollie Anderson were also chosen to give speeches and awards were presented.
Supt Churchill, Head of Learning and Development said: “It was an honour to be part of this event and to watch all of our officers make themselves and their families so proud.
“All of those who passed out were either PCSOs or Special Constables before becoming PCs and the vast majority of them will now be returning to the local areas where they previously worked.
“They’ll be bringing with them a wealth of experience and knowledge to bolster neighbourhood policing, which is great news for our communities.
“They’re about to embark on a really exciting journey and I wish them all the very best.”
