One hundred and seventy new trainee detective constables – who will be based across nine forces in England and Wales including Avon and Somerset– were attested at Police Now's detective academy today (Monday 14th March).

The officers will train on Police Now's National Detective Programme, following over 2,100 other police constables and detective constables recruited and trained by Police Now over the last seven years.

During the intensive 14-week detective academy, the officers will learn, practise, and develop the knowledge and skills required in modern investigative work, before sitting their National Investigators' Exam and joining their respective forces for the remainder of the two-year programme.

Over the course of the two-year programme, participants play an integral part in solving crimes while developing their leadership, communication and problem-solving skills and supporting the communities that need them the most. Participants also work towards their Graduate Diploma in Professional Policing Practice, in partnership with the University of Huddersfield.

Chief Constable John Campbell of Thames Valley Police addressed the new trainee detectives at the attestation ceremony today. He said: "I want to offer you a warm welcome to the policing family, on this important day. You will probably feel a bit nervous about the training ahead, but that's ok and you are not alone. I sat where you are now 35 years ago with the same hopes and fears about the journey ahead. You'll be part of a team that will support you and guide you as you go through your policing careers.

"Your training will give you the tools you need to protect people in the community and, as detectives, to find justice for victims of crime. Give it your all, because what might seem like a day in the classroom today could save someone's life in a few months' time.

"The uniform that you wear and the oath you are about to take represents more than all of us. You should be proud of it and treat it with respect. Remember, the police are the public and the public are the police.

"Get to know your communities, work hard in the interest of the public, live up to the oath you are about to take, and enjoy your policing careers. And good luck to all of you for your promising policing careers ahead."

Kurtis Christoforides, Police Now's Programme Director, said: "I want to extend my sincere congratulations to the officers attested today at the Police Now detective academy. I wish them enormous luck as they begin their careers as police officers and detective constables. They embark on a career that will allow them to make a considerable difference to people's lives and support members of their communities, and their colleagues, through the most challenging times.

"I speak from experience when I say that a career in policing is one of the most rewarding things you can do. It will be tough at times, and require hard work and dedication, as one navigates an increasingly complex policing and wider social environment.

"Police Now will be here to support these officers and their fantastic colleagues working in forces right across the country. I look forward to hearing all about the positive results that I know they will deliver."

The nine forces that Police Now has partnered with for this cohort of the National Detective Programme, and the number of officers joining each force, are:

Avon and Somerset Police - 11

City of London Police – 4

Humberside Police - 16

South Yorkshire Police – 24

West Midlands Police - 48