Sussex Police & Crime Commissioner welcomes new recruitment opportunity

24th April

Sussex Police & Crime Commissioner (PCC) Katy Bourne has welcomed a new interim programme introduced by Sussex Police aiming to attract a different cohort into policing.

Following the Home Secretary’s request that the College of Policing and police forces work together to explore options for a new non-degree entry route into policing, the programme will draw talent from a wider range of people with relevant life skills and expertise.

The ‘Initial Probationer Learning Development Programme’ (IPLDP+) complements the existing routes to becoming a Sussex police officer.

The IPLDP+ invites candidates with or without a degree to apply and provides new recruits with a blend of practical “on-the-job” experience and classroom-based learning. This will equip them with the skills and experience they need to meet the demands of modern policing and help to get officers trained for frontline duties faster.

Speaking about the new programme, Sussex Police & Crime Commissioner Katy Bourne said: “I am delighted that Sussex Police have taken a common-sense approach and introduced this new route into policing. Finding a wide selection of high-quality recruits should always be the aim and the additional programme in Sussex Police’s recruitment process will help to do just that. “It gives the force the opportunity to draw potential candidates from a wider pool of people with different backgrounds, relevant experience, training and leadership skills.

“Without this programme, it’s clear we could be missing out on future police officers who will ably serve our county and protect the public. “We want to ensure that our police officers genuinely reflect the communities they serve. This new route opens a door to those who may have chosen a career path that didn’t require a degree (or those who don’t wish to obtain one) and it prevents discrimination of those who may not have had certain educational opportunities.

“I look forward to seeing an increasing number of people now able to consider a career in policing as Sussex Police becomes more flexible in their recruitment processes, whilst maintaining extremely high standards and thorough vetting procedures for all positions within the force.”

For more information about vacancies go to the Sussex Police website.