Graduates on the Police Now Graduate Programme say the training prepares them for life on the force.
An innovative graduate scheme from Police Now prepares graduates for a career in policing with an intensive six week Summer Academy. The Graduate Leadership Development Programme provides graduates with physical training and classroom-based teaching in order to put them on the frontline of policing in the UK.
The Summer Academy involves long days and Police Now expects graduates to be prepared to work hard. Farah Elahi, a UCL graduate, says the training is an intense but fascinating experience.
"I knew the training was going to be intense but I assumed it would be mainly classroom-based, lecture-style lessons," she says. "In reality the lessons were incredibly diverse, and a wide range of group activities were integrated into lectures, along with role plays and presentations."
Another graduate on the scheme, Nelena Paparisva, says the training was challenging and pushed her to succeed.
"Having now completed those very intense six weeks, I can proudly say that I found myself in one of the most challenging environments I have been faced with and absolutely loved how much it stimulated me mentally and didn't allow me to get complacent," she says.
After the training, graduates are placed in one of seven forces, including Cheshire Constabulary, Lancashire Constabulary, Metropolitan Police Service, Surrey Police, Thames Valley Police and West Midlands Police.
Graduates work in these communities for two years after the Summer Academy, during which time they are expected to form relationships with the public and work to understand the crime issues affecting them.
Police Now graduate, Ben Jordan, says the chance to make a difference was what encouraged him to apply.
"I expected the opportunity to make a real difference to some of London's most challenged communities," he says, "which is one of my personal motivators in a professional capacity."
Police Now want the best candidates eager to tackle crime in the UK. Graduates motivated to make a difference should look at what the Graduate Leadership Development Programme can offer.