The first cohort of the Degree Holder Entry Programme (DHEP) for policing has graduated from the University of Central Lancashire ready to serve in Lancashire Police.

The 108 new officers are amongst the first to graduate from this innovative new programme, which is specifically for people who already hold a bachelor’s degree and want to train as a police officer.

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The DHEP route is one of three new entry routes into policing in line with the new Police Education Qualifications Framework (PEQF).

DEHP first cohort graduate Jade Hutchinson, who will soon be policing the streets of Lancashire, joined the programme after a 12-year career working for Chubb Fire and Security.

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She said: “I had always wanted to be in the police where no two days are the same. I wanted an action packed job where I felt there was opportunities to make a difference to people lives and to support them in some of the most harrowing of times.

“In 2019 I saw a poster advertisement for the new police recruitment programme and with the support of my partner Mark I applied. I didn’t want to go even further in life and regret never doing something I had always wanted to do. It was a bit of a now or never moment for me.”

Clive Tattum, Principal Lecturer for the PEQF, said: “All of these recruits after an initial period in their first year were involved in frontline policing as they simultaneously completed the programme’s tough operational and academic requirements. Currently the staff we are educating account for around 17% of the frontline police officers in Lancashire. UCLan’s contribution to first class public service is vital.”

Chief Inspector Helen Dixon, Head of Professional Development, said: “The officers have all worked hard to achieve their academic qualification whilst also working as a full-time police officer.

“They have achieved this despite the pandemic which started only a few weeks into their course, demonstrating resilience and flexibility. They are valued members of Lancashire Constabulary and are making a big difference to the communities they serve.”

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Head of the UCLan School of Justice Vivienne Ivins added: “It was fantastic to deliver this innovative new Degree Holder Entry programme and now to see the first students celebrating their well-earned graduation.

“UCLan has been a leader in the design and delivery of policing programmes within the higher education sector for the last 18 years and we are already successfully delivering the College of Policing nationally accredited PCDA and DHEP programmes across three forces in the North West Region.

“The step change within Policing Education Qualifications Framework from police training to the higher education experience is a really exciting time for all involved. We are looking forward to developing our partnerships even further in order to build the trust and confidence of the public by ensuring they receive an outstanding service from their police officers.”

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