CHESHIRE Police is asking the public if they could ‘walk in their boots’ as part of a drive to recruit new police officers.

The application window is now open for the police constable entry programme.

The force says that no two days are the same as a police officer, and roles provide opportunities to develop both personally and professionally – all while helping to make a real difference to communities across Cheshire.

The force is also giving the public an insight into what officers get involved in through a video which has been released on its social media channels. 

DCC Chris Armitt said: “We want hardworking, reliable and dedicated individuals to join Cheshire Police.

“If you work hard, give your best and always put victims and the communities of Cheshire at the heart of everything you do, then you will be rewarded with a career like no other.”

The police constable entry programme has been designed for those aspiring to be a police officer, and it will make sure they have the relevant knowledge and skills and demonstrate the appropriate behaviours to perform their duties lawfully and safely.

Student officers will attend their initial training programme at the Cheshire Police headquarters in Winsford.

After completing initial training, all student officers will deploy to their local policing unit and begin their tutor phase, working to become independent officers.

Student officers will be tutored in a frontline operational setting, and once independent patrol status has been achieved, they will be deployed onto an area investigation team.

Here, they will further develop key police investigation skills before a final rotation into one of the force’s neighbourhood policing units.

Superintendent Jez Taylor, head of police officer training, said: “In Cheshire, constables are given the training and support they need to give them the confidence to deal with whatever the next call brings.

“Our trainers work hard to give student officers the knowledge and skills they need to be an officer, supporting them through each stage of the training process.

“We will challenge you and push you to your limits, but if you want to walk in our boots and make Cheshire even safer – then we want to hear from you.”

Candidates can be 17 at the point of application but must be 18 at the point of appointment to apply.

There is no maximum age limit on applications, but candidates are required to be both physically fit and healthy to perform policing duties safely and effectively.

Applicants can apply to Cheshire if they have a live application with another force. 

Please bear in mind that other forces have different eligibility criteria, and candidates are asked to check before they apply.

Visit cheshire.police.uk for more information or to apply.