Proud moment as force welcomes new recruits

A total of 16 student officers took part in a prestigious Passing out Parade graduation into Bedfordshire Police.
Police officers at their passing out paradePolice officers at their passing out parade
Police officers at their passing out parade

The new intake, dressed in full uniform, marched around the grounds and were congratulated by chief officers and the Vice Lord Lieutenant of Bedfordshire in front of their families. Parade music was provided by Bedford Town Band.

The recent intake, inspected by Temporary Chief Constable Jon Boutcher and Police and Crime Commissioner Olly Martins, is the third to join the force since the end of Bedfordshire Police’s recruitment freeze in 2014. They will now join their colleagues in helping to protect people, fight crime and keep Bedfordshire safe.

Police and Crime Commissioner Olly Martins said: “Passing out Parades are a significant milestone on the policing calendar, as they show our ongoing commitment to strengthening the frontline with additional police officers.

“Through our efficiency savings and collaborative working over the last 12 months, we have been able to maintain the frontline, allowing us to better serve our communities and protect the people of Bedfordshire.”

Bedfordshire’s Temporary Chief Constable Jon Boutcher added: “It’s always an honour to witness a new set of student officers at their Passing out Parade, no matter how many you’ve attended.

“It’s a very proud moment not just for the officers and their families, but also for Bedfordshire Police as we welcome the new recruits into our force family.”

The new officers completed 20 weeks’ training, which included on-the-job practical experience, diversity awareness, law, conflict management and first aid. Now they will make an instant contribution to policing Bedfordshire, completing a two-year probationary period before becoming fully-qualified police officers.

For more information about becoming a police officer, please visit the recruitment section on the Bedfordshire Police website at

http://www.bedfordshire.police.uk/about_us/careers.aspx