More than 60 student officers graduate from Teesside University

More than 60 student officers have graduated from Teesside University after completing the Police Constable Degree Apprenticeship (PCDA).

A total of 62 officers graduated earlier this month and were the first in Cleveland to successfully complete the course since its introduction.

The PCDA entry route is a mixture of practical on-the-job elements alongside academic classroom-based theory and learning, leading to a degree.

A number of the graduates received their degrees during four separate ceremonies at the start of July.

Chief Constable of Cleveland Police Mark Webster said: “Congratulations to all our student officers who have graduated this month. Studying whilst working full-time as a police officer is no mean feat and they should be extremely proud of themselves.

“These officers will bring a variety of different skills to Cleveland Police and I know that they will strive to uphold our force priorities as they combine their theory-based learning and practical experience.

“Being a police officer is challenging yet rewarding and I wish them all the very best as they progress through their career in policing.”

Detective Chief Inspector Jayne Downes said: “I would like to congratulate all our student officers who have graduated this summer. I had the privilege of attending a number of ceremonies and I couldn’t have been prouder.

“The officers have achieved a significant milestone in their policing career. Every single one of our officers have been awarded their degree thus far and have collectively achieved outstanding results with several first-class honours awarded.

“I think it’s fair to say that it has not been easy for our officers juggling a full-time demanding role with their academic studies. However, they have persevered and have fully shown they have been the best they can be. Congratulations to all!”