New officers introduced to their local communities

New police officers

Student police officers are being introduced into their future communities as part of a week-long induction.

During their induction, they will have the opportunity to visit the areas they will patrol.

The officers, who started their training on 13 March, will meet community and faith groups, visit domestic abuse support groups, and take part in volunteering as well as learning about their area’s policing priorities.

The recruits will complete a two year probation period, which includes classroom based learning and a year of active patrolling.

During training officers have the same role as that of a regular officer, including the power of arrest.

Chief Constable Ian Hopkins for Greater Manchester Police, said: “Neighbourhood Policing is at the heart of our policing philosophy here in Greater Manchester. It is essential that our new colleagues start to understand our many diverse communities and begin to familiarise themselves with the priorities of these communities.

“This week is a great opportunity for our new colleagues to meet local communities, representatives of diverse communities across Greater Manchester, and to learn from their more experienced colleagues in GMP, all of which will be a great benefit to them when posted to their divisions.

“As a police force we remain committed to keeping the public safe and this recruitment drive along with those planned in future reinforces our commitment to protect the communities of Greater Manchester.”

Alongside the visits to their prospective new divisions, the new officers will have to complete a 1,000 word assignment about their community. As part of the project they have to identify a community issue or problem and highlight what work is being carried out to address the issue.

Clive Hartley is one of the Initial Police Learning and Development (IPLD) managers for Greater Manchester Police who trains the student officers. He said: “This assignment, along with the other work that our student officers must take part in ahead of their attestation makes them aware of how the communities have or have not engaged with the police and teaches them what needs to be done in order for an effective remedy.

“Projects like this are an opportunity to get new officers switched on to the problem solving element of the policing world. It teaches them about how they can effectively play their part in a front line role.

“As part of this assignment they are also made aware of the other services that are involved in making a difference to our community and this includes partners, charities and voluntary services. Information such as this is vital in modern day policing.”