Dozens of officers, staff members and students have been recognised for outstanding achievements and reaching career milestones during a series of awards and graduation ceremonies over the past week.

The force’s dedicated burglary team, a detective who led an investigation into a violent kidnapping, and various officers and staff involved in a major operation to bring down a suspected international criminal gang were all commended as part of a Long Service and Chief’s Commendations ceremony held on Tuesday (13 February).

Six members of staff who began their policing careers more than 20 years ago were also recognised for their long-standing commitment to the force at the same event.

Meanwhile, 24 student officers officially graduated from their 22-week classroom-based training in front of proud family and friends, as well as the High Sheriff of Bedfordshire, at two passing out parades held throughout the week.

The students will now move into Bedfordshire Police’s Student Hub, where they will take to the streets and put their training into practice under the guidance of experienced officers.

Seven new call handlers and radio agents have also joined the force this week, which should help the force continue its recent improvement in responding to 999 calls and other forms of public contact.

Bedfordshire’s Police and Crime Commissioner Festus Akinbusoye said: “One of my key pledges before I became Bedfordshire Police and Crime Commissioner was to increase recruitment and retention of police officers.

“With the highest ever number of police officers in Bedfordshire Police’s history, and a remarkable turnaround in retention of officers, I am delivering on my promise to our residents.

“Changes made in 2022 led to new officers becoming part of the Student Hub, where they are tutored and further mentored by experienced officers.

“This new hub is key to officer development, retention rates and has at its foundation keeping Bedfordshire safer.

“This remains a top priority for me and our Chief Constable, and together, we’re committed to giving our new recruits dedicated support as they embark on their journey as officers”.

PC Paige Newbon, among the new officers to start this week, said: “I came into policing because I wanted to help people, particularly in areas I felt I lacked support in when I was younger.

“I found the initial training one of the best experiences of my life. The journey I made everyday was long but worth it, the trainers were incredible, and my colleagues were like a family. 

“It is hard and demanding, but it’s worth it in every way possible.”

Bedfordshire Police Chief Constable Trevor Rodenhurst said: “Every day police officers and staff in Bedfordshire do important, exceptional and meaningful work.

“But at the heart of this work and our greatest asset in the force is our people. We are only able to bring burglars to justice and dismantle international criminal gangs because of the extraordinary work of a whole host of brilliant Bedfordshire officers and staff.

“It has been an honour to recognise these extraordinary efforts, as well as welcome a new generation of police officers and call handlers who we all hope will accomplish similar achievements and enjoy their own long and fruitful service in policing.

“Policing is undeniably challenging and demanding, but it is a profession that has the ability to make a real difference to people’s lives, and this week alone has helped to highlight the impactful contributions our teams are making.”

For more information about a career in policing visit Bedfordshire Police’s Careers page.