New joiners Cath and Josh talk Police Constable Degree Apprenticeship (PCDA)

Thames Valley Police, in partnership with Bucks New University, introduced our first cohort of PCDA student officers 10 weeks ago, on 23rd November 2020. This new Police Officer entry route attracted people from all walks of life; men and women with previous experience including a community mental health support, the army, retail and leisure, schools behaviour support, foster care and the prison service. During Week 9 we caught up with the youngest and oldest members of the cohort; Josh (19) and Catherine (44) to find out how it’s been going.

Hello to both of you, how does it feel being at the polar ends of age range within your group?

Cath: Naturally when you’re joining any new organisation you wonder if you’ll fit in, but I felt welcomed and accepted very quickly, my age hasn’t really come into it and I like to think I bring some life experience with me.

Josh: I felt a little nervous at first, I did wonder if I was too young but age is not a factor and everyone is assessed on the same criteria. Even though there are people older and with more work experience we’re all starting on a level playing field and can help each other on different aspects.

Cath, you finally applied to policing after several years of consideration – how did it feel to finally put the Uniform on?

Cath: Surreal, it was definitely a moment when it became real and solidified that it was finally happening. I’d started my police application form several times over the years, but for whatever reason the timing wasn’t right … but now it is. I couldn’t wait to get started.

Josh: Surreal is the right word, it certainly makes you stand a bit taller.

You’ve both joined during Covid-19, how has that impacted your training?

Josh: Pre-Covid all initial learning was done at Sulhamstead (TVP’s Training Centre) but it has been adapted; so we do a week there, then a week’s online learning from home.

Cath: It’s certainly added a degree of complexity, we have to observe distancing rules and wear masks during practical’s but everyone has been in the same boat, adapted and been supportive.

Camaraderie amongst cohorts is important, how have you maintained that?

Cath: Seeing each other during Microsoft Teams calls helps, plus we’ve had WhatsApp groups – we seem to have developed a good rapport between us despite the circumstances and we’re all very like-minded people even though we are all very different and bring different experience.

Tell us about the training you’ve done in the first few weeks.

Josh: We’ve covered a lot already; Powers and Legislation, Interviews & Statements, looking at the more common offences, the National decision Making Model, Radio and Body Worn Video, Crime Recording, Investigation, Intelligence and evidence.

Cath: It’s been a blend of theory and practical inputs too, we had a day with a Crime Scene Investigator which was fascinating. The operationally focussed days are great.

Josh: I really enjoyed the Officer Safety Training, learning self-defence techniques was at first daunting but you get used to running scenarios and it’s a safe space, non-judgemental, where the focus is on improvement.

What have you both found challenging?

Cath: For me, getting back into a ‘classroom’ mind-set where you write academically – it’s an important element of our learning but the tutors have been really supportive and you start with the basics, then build from there.

Josh: Yes, writing at degree standard even though I’d done A ‘Levels is definitely a step-up, it takes some getting used to but it helps reinforce what you are learning.