A former linguist, boatbuilder and hairdresser are among Cambridgeshire's 18 latest police recruits to graduate from the force's accelerated detective constable programme (ACDP).

Ten women and eight men passed out on October 28 in the third ADCP cohort since it was launched in October 2020.

They were welcomed by deputy chief constable Jane Gyford and police and crime commissioner Darryl Preston after parading in front of family and friends in a ceremony at force HQ.

The officers will now have a short period on patrol before being posted to crime investigation departments across the county.

Their graduation comes as the force remains on track to hit its targets under the national 20,000 uplift by March next year.

Cambs Times: There were 10 women and eight men that had graduated from the ACDP and attended the passing out ceremony on October 28.There were 10 women and eight men that had graduated from the ACDP and attended the passing out ceremony on October 28. (Image: Cambridgeshire Police)

The number of police officers in Cambridgeshire is at an all-time high of 1671, that’s 145 officers more than the pre-uplift baseline. The number is due to climb to 206 by the end of March.

Nationally, 15,343 extra police have been recruited – 77 per cent of the target.

The ADCP programme streamlines the route to becoming a detective constable.

Candidates go through the normal police officer training process, however, at the end of the two-year programme, they become fully qualified detectives.

They will be trained in law and procedure and learn how to conduct initial investigations before progressing to becoming investigators of serious and complex crime.

Cambs Times: Cambridgeshire's new police officers at their passing out ceremony.Cambridgeshire's new police officers at their passing out ceremony. (Image: Cambridgeshire Police)

They are supported throughout by experienced police officers and detective tutors.

DCC Gyford spoke to the new recruits and began by acknowledging the new Monarch, King Charles III, who they would now be serving.

She said they were now the “face of Cambridgeshire Constabulary” and could “make a genuine difference to people”.

She said: “When you are out on the streets, be intuitive, ask questions, learn when something is not quite right. You can no longer walk on by.

“Use the attestation values, as well as the force values, in everything you do. Act with fairness, integrity, diligence, and impartiality - without fear or favour.

Cambs Times: Police and Crime Commissioner Darryl Preston welcoming the latest recruits at the passing out ceremony.Police and Crime Commissioner Darryl Preston welcoming the latest recruits at the passing out ceremony. (Image: Cambridgeshire Police)

“Be kind and show your human side. Values run through everything you do now, in and out of work.”

The force is currently recruiting via routes under the Policing Education Qualifications Framework (PEQF), including pathways for those with and without a degree.

Visit www.cambs.police.uk for more information or to apply.