Leicestershire Police is recruiting new officers - here's what you need to know if you fancy a career change

Leicestershire Police is recruiting new officers and wants to hear from those who already have a degree or are about to graduate.

As a graduate you may also be interested in the force’s fast-track scheme towards becoming an inspector within two years once an initial probation period has passed.

This means managing one of the local Neighbourhood Policing Areas or force control room managing resources and incidents.

Or you could move into one of many other challenging roles within the organisation.

They vary from firearms to detective working in serious crime investigation to counter terrorism and the dog section as well as many more.

The two-year Graduate Entry Programme means you learn on the job with some academic and coursework-based training delivered with De Montfort University.

Successful candidates receive a Graduate Diploma in Professional Policing Practice (PPPD) from DMU – the awarding body.

Sgt Yusuf Nagdi has been with the force for 15 years.

He has a degree in Law and Psychology as well as a Post Graduate Certificate in Law and is currently a recruitment officer.

“I love what I do and I love the amount of variety it gives me.

“I’ve had the opportunity to do so many different roles within the force and learn new skills while doing so,” said Sgt Nagdi.

“Joining the police is like joining one big family.

“We’re all part of the same team working together to keep people safe and for that reason and many others it’s hugely rewarding.

“These are uncertain times for many people who will be thinking of their next steps, whether that’s what to do as university comes to an end or a change in career. “This is an opportunity to find out more about policing and if it would suit you.”

Sgt Nagdi will be available to talk to live on Leicestershire Police Facebook as part of a Q&A on Thursday May 21 at 2.30pm.

A serious of webinars will also take place throughout May and June to give people the opportunity to ask further questions.

Dates and times will be available on the force website in due course.

Eve Marshall is a student officer with a BA (Hons) degree in Sports Development.

She said the training and support she had received so far from the force was “excellent”.

“I always wanted to be a police officer and was looking for a life-long rewarding career that I could progress up the ladder with,” said Eve.

“I’m hard-working and, always up for a challenge, I believe you get out what you put in and I intend to bring a lot to the force.”

The closing date for applications to the graduate programme is July 6.

New recruits will start their training in early to mid 2021.

If you would like to find out more visit Leicestershire Police website at: https://www.leics.police.uk/makeadifference