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Northumbria Police is set to become the first, and only, force in the country to offer new recruits a direct route into community policing.
Normally, new starters have to complete a two-year training programme which covers a wide variety of policing. But with this trailblazing move, those who chose the neighbourhood option will specialise in this area from joining and will develop the specialist skills needed for the community policing role. This pathway can be accessed by graduates, non-graduates and those seeking a degree level apprenticeship
The scheme is in response to the Government’s Neighbourhood Policing Guarantee (NPG), which aims to place more officers in local areas with a focus on visible patrols, community engagement, and tackling issues like anti-social behaviour and crime.
Northumbria Police has been given funding to recruit an additional 95 neighbourhood officers, 27 PCSOs and 30 Special Constables over the next 12 months.
“We have always valued neighbourhood policing – which provides the visible presence on our streets that we know our communities want – and this will enable us to strengthen that even further.
“This new offer opens up a completely new route, with different skills sets.
“Policing is so much more than 999 calls and responding to emergencies. Neighbourhood policing is about visible, trusted officers and staff who understand their area and tackle the issues that matter most to people.
Northumbria Police’s Assistant Chief Officer, Joscelin Lawson.
Northumbria Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC), Susan Dungworth, added: “This is a great move by Northumbria Police to get police officers exactly where residents want to see them – out there in their communities, and it gets my full support.
“As PCC, my mission is clear – I want safer streets and stronger communities, and this new initiative delivers on that. It also shows we have a police force that is putting the Government’s Neighbourhood Policing Guarantee into action with fresh thinking.
“As well as being a benefit to neighbourhoods, it’s also a great way for us to attract good people with the right skills, strengths, and ambitions from a range of backgrounds. It will help get them straight into doing the work they want to do – building effective working relationships with people from all walks of life that will help prevent crime and support local people. I look forward to meeting successful applicants and seeing them policing the streets following this summer’s recruitment drive.”
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