First ‘Passing Out’ ceremony held for GMP student officers

The ceremony marks the end of the first stage of the student officer learning programme, as new recruits become independent police officers.

Seventy-nine student officers attended the celebrations alongside their proud family and friends.

Assistant Chief Constable Wasim Chaudhry and Professor Margaret Rowe, Dean of the School of Health and Society at the University of Salford, were also in attendance.

The PEQF programme was formally introduced as a mandatory requirement for all police forces in 2021. It professionalises learning for police officers, ensuring student officers develop the skills and knowledge required to deliver a high-quality police service to communities. Upon completion of the PEFQ, officers will gain either a degree or diploma.

Assistant Chief Constable Wasim Chaudhry said:  "I'd like to congratulate GMP's very first cohort of PEQF officers as they complete their first stage of training.

"This is an exciting moment for the organisation as we strive to ensure officers receive the very best training to equip them with the skills and knowledge they need to confidently carry out a role that is as challenging as it is rewarding.

"I wish our new recruits the very best as they embark on the next chapter of their policing journey."

Professor Margaret Rowe said: “Congratulations to all of our student officers on completing their initial police training here at the University of Salford. They have shown fantastic enthusiasm and commitment, building solid academic foundations for their policing career. With the support of colleagues from our university, UCLan and GMP, they are prepared for the next stage of their journey, as they begin serving our communities in Greater Manchester.

“The PEQF is crucial to the workforce modernisation and professionalisation of policing. These students have been the initial drivers of that process within GMP; they are helping to shape the future of policing.”

At the event, the Carl Pilling Outstanding Performance Award was awarded to the best overall student, PC Joshua Lucas. PC Lucas while off duty stopped and intervened with a violent altercation that was taking place, calling for help and ensuring there was no risk to the wider public.

Having completed their initial training with the University of Salford and GMP, students will now head to policing districts to continue the next stage of their training, where they will learn further operational skills; working alongside more experienced colleagues to serve the public on the front line. They will return to the University later in their programme to complete further training.

To find out more about recruitment at GMP, please visit their website.