Sussex PCC's video log: New trainee officers sworn in to Sussex Police

A further 64 recruit constables have taken their first steps in their policing careers this week. The new officers were formally sworn in at an attestation ceremony on Wednesday (17 June) evening – the first to be held in person since lockdown was eased.
Katy BourneKaty Bourne
Katy Bourne

New trainee officers sworn in to Sussex Police

A further 64 recruit constables have taken their first steps in their policing careers this week. The new officers were formally sworn in at an attestation ceremony on Wednesday (17 June) evening – the first to be held in person since lockdown was eased.

The further 64 new PCs were personally welcomed to Sussex Police by T/Chief Constable Jo Shiner and PCC Katy Bourne last Wednesday (17 June), while family and friends joined the proceedings from around the world via Zoom.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

The attestation was the first ceremony to be held in person since lockdown measures eased and took place following an extensive risk assessment and application of social distancing and hygiene measures.

Police and Crime Commissioner Katy Bourne said: “On Wednesday I saw 64 new police officers sworn into Sussex Police. Speaking to some of them after their ceremony, it was clear that they are enthusiastic, forward-thinking and eager to make a positive difference to our communities.

“I’m pleased that they will soon be out patrolling our streets and keeping Sussex safer.

“I applaud the senior officers who have worked so hard in this lockdown to find new ways to meet recruitment and training targets.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“I was also incredibly impressed at how they adapted the ceremony to adhere to social distancing and gave family and friends the opportunity to ‘zoom’ call into the proceedings and witness this very proud moment for themselves.

“More visible, proactive policing is what local residents want to see and we are delivering on that with these extra boots on the ground. I look forward to seeing them in action very soon.”

In response to the current challenging environment, Sussex Police's learning and development team have worked with the College of Policing to adapt training to meet social distancing guidelines, using online learning and video conferencing for much of the classroom-based learning. Trainees still come to Sussex Police HQ for practical elements of their programme like scenario training and personal safety training.

Great efforts were taken by both the force and the East Sussex National to meet safety guidelines