Welcoming our first cohort of Police Constable Entry Programme (PCEP) Officers

Representing Lancashire’s first Police Constable Entry Programme (PCEP) intake, new officers promised to uphold the key values and principles that the Constabulary expects from all within the organisation.

There were so many students on the very first PCEP course that two attestation ceremonies were held, on Tuesday 6th August and Thursday 8th August.

The honoured guests on the Tuesday included Deputy Chief Constable Sam McKenzie and Chief Operating Officer Gillian Routledge. The presiding magistrate was Jeni Barnes JP.

The attestation ceremony is an important moment for all police officers as they embark on a career in policing.
The pledge made by every new officer underlines their commitment to serve Lancashire Constabulary and the public with fairness, integrity, diligence and impartiality throughout their time in post.

Now that they have sworn an oath to the King, the new recruits have been granted their policing powers, including the power to arrest.

Chief Constable Sacha Hatchett said:

“ I am proud to officially welcome these new officers to the Lancashire Police family. They have been through a rigorous selection and training programme and are now ready to work hard preventing and fighting crime to keep our communities safe, always putting victims first.

“These extra officers will really help to ease the pressure on teams so that our communities receive the best service. This ceremony is a proud moment in their lives and I look forward to seeing them across Lancashire fighting crime and keeping people safe out on our streets.”

Police and Crime Commissioner Clive Grunshaw said:

“As these new officers officially become part of the policing family, it’s great to see the enthusiasm they have for the job ahead, ready to work hard to protect the people of Lancashire, tackle offending, and prevent people becoming victims of crime.

“The public want to see more officers on our streets, visible, making communities safer. Policing absolutely needs to be at the heart of the areas it serves, which is why I will invest in rebuilding neighbourhood policing across Lancashire, ensuring that officers are out in communities, picking up local intelligence to fight crime and keep people safe.

“As the public’s voice in policing I will work to make Lancashire safer through strong leadership, tough scrutiny and effective policing. Every police officer and staff has a role to play in delivering the people’s priorities, and I’ll hold the Chief Constable to account for delivering the highest standards of policing across the county.”