Hertfordshire Constabulary has formally welcomed 11 new student officers, with four due to become police officer detectives.

Family and friends of the cohort attended a ceremony on December 1 at police headquarters in Welwyn Garden City, where they were able to celebrate the completion of their training.

Chief Constable Charlie Hall presented them with certificates to mark their achievement.

Chief Constable Hall said: “Congratulations to all of you. I always feel very proud at these events as I enjoy meeting each and every one of you before you start your postings across the county, putting what you’ve learned into practice. It’s a great delight to share this moment with your friends and family.

“I might be biased, but I think you’ve made a great choice to join Hertfordshire Constabulary. You will continue to build on our strong relationships with our communities and help those who need us. Wearing the police uniform means a great deal as a police officer and the public expect us to uphold the highest of standards, which I know you will.

“I wish you all the best as you embark on your new career.”

The cohort all have varied backgrounds, including an NHS ICT Technical Support Analyst, a musician and a PCSO.

New recruit PC Caitlin Mockridge-Rice said: “Before I joined Herts police, I was a musician and worked for a musical instrument manufacturer and retailer. Policing interested me because I wanted to help people.

"The Sarah Everard revelations created a sense of needing to do something and joining the police felt like a way to be part of the solution. When the pandemic happened and the reality of working from home turned sour, the idea of the challenge and excitement of policing became something I began to think seriously about.

“When I told my friends and family I was going to become a police officer, they were all really surprised. However, the more they thought about it, they realised that I’d actually be well suited to this role. 

"As a career changer, the option to fast track to detective was really helpful as I’d be starting from the bottom of the ladder again. The location allowance also made taking a pay cut to change careers viable.”

To find out how to apply and register your interest at Hertfordshire Constabulary, visit herts.police.uk.