Survey shows Nottinghamshire Police deemed one of nation’s top forces to join
Nottinghamshire Police has been named as one of the most highly sought-after forces to work for following a national student survey.
The College of Policing survey, sent to all 42 universities offering a recognised policing degree on their syllabus, revealed Nottinghamshire Police as one of the top forces graduates are hoping to join at the end of their studies.
The force’s reputation within universities is thanks in part to the great work being done by officers and staff across the county, the diverse opportunities available to new starters and the positive outlook and approach the force has with its university partners.
PC Manmeet Uppal, who is currently in his final year of studying the Professional Policing degree at the University of Derby and joined the force as a PC only 13 days ago, explained how much the course has helped him in his first weeks on shift.
He said: “I’ve been studying the Professional Policing degree for the last two years, and I’m in my final year now. When an opportunity came up to join the force I didn’t hesitate.
“I’m not from Nottinghamshire and really wanted a new challenge in a new area and also because of the diverse community that officers serve.
“I wanted a different challenge and to come to a different area, meet new people and help those in need in Nottinghamshire.
“It’s been a great experience so far and thanks to studying at the same time it’s really going to benefit me being a police constable and everything I can bring to help keep the people of Nottinghamshire safe.”
Thanks to the great partnership work with universities including the University of Derby and Nottingham Trent University, graduates are being given the chance to apply to work for the force and begin their career of working for the force.
It comes after Nottinghamshire Police reaches its officer uplift a year early with there now being more officers than ever patrolling the streets and keeping people safe thanks to the force smashing its target.
Chief Constable Craig Guildford said: “Hearing that Nottinghamshire Police is thought so highly of by students studying the various professional policing degree programmes is great news and shows that the great work being done by all at the force is paying off and showcasing the force in a fantastic light.
“We pride ourselves on our partnership working and creating lasting relationships with partners including universities to help advertise the great benefits of working for Nottinghamshire Police. I want to recruit the most talented individuals into the force as officers and staff.
“We are constantly working hard to attract people from all walks of life to join and work for the force and are making huge strides in making the police service a more diverse place to work and be a part of.
The latest national uplift figures show the force is leading the way in terms of inclusivity after the service recruited the highest number of people from black, asian and minority ethnic backgrounds outside of London and the West Midlands between April 2020 and September 2021.
Chief Constable Guildford added: “Thanks to the newly built training school on site we now have even more to offer those thinking about joining the force including the latest technological assets, bespoke fitness facilities and wellbeing facilities.
“We are truly in the middle of a revolution in local policing and hearing students from across the country want to come and be a part of Nottinghamshire is fantastic and shows the hard work being done by every single person within the force is having an impact.
“Nottinghamshire Police is committed to creating an inclusive and safe environment for every employee and anyone who joins can expect the same high standards that we pride ourselves on.”
Students studying the professional policing degree take part in two or three-year course that follows a curriculum written and licensed by the College of Policing giving students the required qualification to pursue a career as a police officer.
Tony Blockley, head of policing at the University of Derby, said: “This is a fantastic achievement for Nottinghamshire Police, and we are incredibly proud of our students who go on to work for the force. It is testament to their commitment and determination that they have secured roles as police officers with Nottinghamshire Police.
“Our students are achieving good honours degrees, and this is a reflection of the dedication from the university teaching staff and Nottinghamshire Police, supporting students throughout their journey.
“The partnership between Nottinghamshire Police and the University of Derby continues to develop through the provision of the police constable degree apprenticeship, the degree holder programme, the professional policing degree including the accelerated route, the cadet programme and various masters programmes. They all add value to the education provision and provide so many opportunities for those wanting to become a police officer.”
Dr Angus Nurse, head of criminology and criminal justice in Nottingham Trent University’s school of social sciences, said: “Nottingham Trent University has a strong relationship with Nottinghamshire Police and continues to grow its practice opportunities allowing students to give back to the local community.
“Policing students at NTU have been volunteering as Special Constables and police emergency call handlers for the last three years of their professional policing degree programme, offered by the department of criminology and criminal justice.
“In the recent survey conducted by the College of Policing, NTU was one of the higher responding universities. Thirteen students are due to join Nottinghamshire Police in both Police Officer and call handling roles in 2022, representing almost a third of the overall course.
Many of these are not local to Nottingham and have decided to stay within the area following their degree.
“We are delighted to be working with the local force and had no doubt that the force is a destination for many.”
For a closer look at how to become a police officer visit the website here.
