The county’s Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) has congratulated the force on welcoming a further 28 officers.

Twenty-eight officers celebrated passing initial training after spending the last 22 weeks in the classroom learning the basics of policing. They were in two different cohorts, the fast-track detective route, to become a detective in two years, and the other group on a degree apprenticeship, where they train as an officer alongside gaining a fully funded degree with Anglia Ruskin University.

The ceremony involved receiving certificates whilst celebrating with their teammates, trainers, family and friends. It was an emotional moment for the students as they shared stories and reminisced about the highs and lows of the training in the last few hours they were all together as a cohort. The students will now go into the student hub where they will work alongside a tutor and join different patrol teams

Bedfordshire’s PCC Festus Akinbusoye, said: “I am thrilled to see the force continue to build its resilience and exceed our recruitment targets.

“This recent intake marks another excellent achievement for the force and for my office as recruitment and retention remains a key priority within my Police and Crime Plan.

“As the force continues to welcome new officers, local residents can be reassured that efforts are being made to improve our services and get more bobbies on the beat.”

Amongst the new recruits who hit the streets of Bedfordshire this week, is a Royal Army medic, a Royal Marine, health and safety officer, estate agent and professional cake maker.

Student officer Brogan, former estate agent who is on the accelerated detective programme, said: “I’m so pleased I’ve made it through initial training, it was a rollercoaster and I have learnt so much about policing and so much about myself. I found the classroom training tough, I’m not a classroom person but I’ve learnt how resilient I am, and I can’t wait to show how great I can be in the role of a detective and police officer.”

The new officers will combine the skillsets and experience from their previous roles with the knowledge gained from initial training. They will be supported throughout the next few months in the student hub where they will work alongside a tutor who will guide them through the jobs they attend.

Chief Inspector Chris Simmons from the People and Workforce team said “Some of the new officers have come from the armed forces and joined us on the route where officers gain a degree. Not many people realise that you don’t need A levels to join the degree route, we can take into account work experience or other qualifications.

“On this route students will work as a full-time officer, taking on real jobs, and work towards their degree via coursework and attending certain types of incidents that complete elements of their degree.

“This route allows students to earn a full-time wage, gain work experience and have their degree fully funded by the force. With changes in student loan and university fees increasing, this is a perfect route for anyone wanting a tangible qualification that they can be proud of as well as starting an amazing career, debt free.”

Bedfordshire Police has several ways to join policing as a police officer or detective, with or without qualifications. Visit www.beds.police.uk/careers to learn more about the different ways you can join.