Trailblazing training scheme prepares military leavers for policing career

A pioneering new training programme that prepares military service leavers for a career in policing was officially launched this week.

The 12-week pilot Military Service Leavers Pathway into Policing Programme, held at RAF Cranwell in Lincolnshire, is the first of its kind in the country. Supported by the Ministry of Defence, it has been developed by Nottinghamshire Police and the University of Derby, which validated the programme and provides teaching. It is part of a direct employment pathway for those in their military resettlement period to join the police service.

The first cohort will finish the pilot course at the end of March. They will then commence as police constables with Nottinghamshire Police in June, joining the second half of year one of the University of Derby approved Police Constable Degree Apprenticeship, which usually takes three years to complete.

At the official launch at RAF Cranwell, Nottinghamshire Police Chief Constable Kate Meynell said:

“We recognise that individuals who have served with the armed services possess valuable skills that can be transferred across to policing or serve as a foundation on which to build additional skills. We are extremely proud to be the first in the country to launch this exciting new pathway and I look forward to the first cohort joining us as police officers over the coming months.”

Professor Lynn Saunders OBE, Head of the School of Law and Social Sciences at the University of Derby, said:

“We have worked closely with our policing partners to develop this innovative course for military leavers. It draws on the academic expertise of our experienced policing team to provide the opportunity for participants to fast-track the first year of the Police Constable Degree Apprenticeship.”

Also attending the event was Dr Andrew Murrison, Minister for Defence People, Veterans and Service Families. He said:

“This fantastic opportunity for our service leavers with Nottinghamshire Police is recognition of the skills that our personnel gain whilst in the military. We continue to prioritise the support to our veterans and service leavers, and I’m delighted to see this opportunity which will allow them to continue serving their country.”

Among the recruits onto the programme is Elliot Atkin, who has served 11 years in the military, including seven years in the Royal Marines. He said:

“I loved being in the military but the time came when I wanted to move closer to home as I’ve now got a wife and two young children. I’d been thinking about joining the police for a while. The training is full on, but I’m loving every minute of it. I’m looking forward to using the skills I gained in the military to serve communities in Nottinghamshire and help people.”