Cumbria’s Deputy Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner (DPFCC), Mike Johnson, has met with the newest wave of police officers at Cumbria Constabulary HQ.

The trainees, ranging in age from 19-30, were in the first few weeks of their three-year Police Constable Degree Apprenticeship (PCDA) programme.

The course is a mixture of academic modules, examinations, and active frontline duties.

Academic support comes from a tutor at the University of Central Lancashire (UCLan), while officers and staff from Cumbria Constabulary support with their 'hands on' operational role.

As with traditional police entry routes, PCDA apprentices first experience life as a police officer via the classroom before undertaking police duties while accompanied by seasoned officers who coach them through their development.

DPFCC, Mike Johnson said: “Being a police officer is an extremely valuable and hugely rewarding career. It’s important that our officers receive the best possible training to equip them for a career serving the public.

“Degree apprenticeships is one of the many entry routes into the Police. Over a three-year period, the PCDA recruits gain a degree while also serving on active frontline duties. It is an attractive option, allowing recruits to gain an academic qualification, while receiving practical training, under the supervision of well-rounded, experienced Police Officers.

“During the last three years, we have recruited 169 additional Police Officers to the Force, as part of the Government’s Operation Uplift programme, and Cumbria now has 1,334 serving officers in our communities across the county, keeping us all safe. This is the highest number of Police Officers we have ever had in Cumbria."

Chief Constable Rob Carden of the Cumbria Constabulary says that policing is 'a career like no other'.

He said: “Combining academic studies for a policing diploma, whilst also engaged in an operational policing role, provides our recruits with a rewarding and varied training process that will provide them with the best start to their career in the police.

“The recruitment drive which has taken place in recent years has ensured that we have additional officers out there each day to make positive contributions to the safety of our local communities.

“We are continuing to look for people who want to make a positive difference to people in our county.

“This is a career like no other and if you are enthusiastic, dedicated and want to deliver an outstanding police service to keep Cumbria safe, then I would strongly encourage you to consider joining us.”

Details about careers with Cumbria Constabulary can be found on their website.