Thirty six police officers were formally welcomed to Team Herts last week at a new look outdoor graduation ceremony.

The 21 student officers and 15 trainee detectives were joined by family and friends to celebrate their milestone moment at Police HQ in Welwyn Garden City on Thursday 14 August.

Chief Constable Andy Prophet, who presented each graduate with their framed certificate of achievement, told them: "I want to say to all of you: congratulations as you pass out today – what an awesome achievement. You've made it through possibly one of the most demanding and transformative periods of your lives and you've done it with grit and determination and a sense of purpose."

He told the audience that their 22 weeks of initial training had tested them "academically, practically, emotionally, physically and operationally" and they were now ready to go out and police the streets of Hertfordshire. 

"You've chosen a remarkable career with the awesome responsibilities we take on when we take a warrant card to protect the public, to prevent crime and harm, to catch criminals, to solve crime to help victims and the vulnerable. These are incredible undertakings."

The Chief was joined by the Police and Crime Commissioner for Herts, Jonathan Ash-Edwards, Deputy Lieutenant Sally Burton and High Sheriff Nicholas Buxton, and Countess Bathurst.

The two cohorts include three former Herts Police Community Support Officers, three staff who previously worked in our Force Communications Room and two other ex-Herts police staff. 

PC Mevindra Armon and PC Charlotte O'Sullivan were each presented with the Andy Hutchings Endeavour Award, created in remembrance of a much-loved police trainer who sadly died earlier this year.

Herts Police and Crime Commissioner Jonathan Ash-Edwards added: "It's always a privilege to welcome new police officers to Hertfordshire and the passing out parade is a proud moment for them, their families and our county. This year we will reach a new record number of police officers locally and they will play a vital role in keeping Hertfordshire safe, tackling crime, and building trust with the public. I wish them every success in their careers."

Inspired? From Monday 18 August applications for police officers via the two-year Police Constable Entry Programme (PCEP) route opened. Find out more at: www.herts.police.uk/careers.