Day One

Well, it's been informative! We started with introductions then had a couple of hours of Q & A about the course. I can see this new scheme really is a departure from the training formula used for the last 60 years. There is considerable emphasis that we are students, rather than recruits. My classmates all see very sensible, well-balanced individuals, and it seems the majority are in their late 20's or early 30's. Of the 20 people starting the course, I can't help but wonder how many of us will reach the end of probation. It was encouraging to see that most of my fellow students are as excited (and concerned) as I am about our new career.

After lunch we were treated to a visit from the DCC (Deputy Chief Constable), an amiable chap in his 50's who spoke about the opportunities available, the policing 'family' and the changes our force faces with the proposed merger. It was interesting to hear him talk of the two different streams of information concerning our merger with a neighbouring force. He described the media stream, which is highly critical, insisting far greater funding is needed, and he talked about the unpublicised view. This is that with greater funding and an amalgamation of 'premier' services such as serious crime and firearms units, greater efficiency will follow whilst ground-level policing remains unaffected. I'm going to ask a variety of different officers of various ranks what their opinions are, as and when the opportunity arises over the next few months.

Finally, we were issued a basic uniform (short-sleeved shirt, eppaulettes, tie, trousers, belt and shoes for those like me who had purchased them via the stores), and a range of chunky Blackstones textbooks. Blimey they're heavy when you've got to walk a mile or so with 'em!

All-in-all a tiring but very exciting day...