Several weeks ago I went to the Training Wing for my regular input spot to the Student Constables Course. This is an hour when I am able to set out the stall of a Police Chaplain and his/her work and field all the questions that follow. Its normally a fairly lively exchange. On Tuesday evening this week I went to the great hall of one of our local schools which was convened as a Magistrates Court for the Attestation Ceremony for the same group. Nowadays the police service does not do 'pomp and circumstance' like it use to do and there is no Passing Out Parade at the end of Probationary Training - so this is the only ceremony that moms and dads, spouses, partners and children get to see. I think that what struck me on this occasion was the youth of the student officers - and before you even think it - I know I am geting old etc...
But they really were young. There were no ex-military, no fit 45yr olds setting out on a new career path, just young men and women attempting to 'stand at ease' until their names were called, then walking swiftly (no marching here) to the platform to receive a series of handshakes from the great and the good, a warrant card and a certificate of appoinment.
Talking to them again at the not half bad buffet afterwards, they were all gossiping enthusiastically about the coming week when they would be doing their 'placements' at Schools, Social Services, Children's agencies and so on and this followed by spending the week before Christmas at a residential school at a Tyneside University as part of their degree studies. I do believe that this very different style of training will be a real benefit to them and to the public.
It will be June next year or thereabouts before they hit the streets for real. My prayer for them is that they will not lose their enthusiasm and drive and that - in this changing world - they will be valued by the communities they serve for their dedication and commitment and that no one will look down on them because they are young.
But they really were young. There were no ex-military, no fit 45yr olds setting out on a new career path, just young men and women attempting to 'stand at ease' until their names were called, then walking swiftly (no marching here) to the platform to receive a series of handshakes from the great and the good, a warrant card and a certificate of appoinment.
Talking to them again at the not half bad buffet afterwards, they were all gossiping enthusiastically about the coming week when they would be doing their 'placements' at Schools, Social Services, Children's agencies and so on and this followed by spending the week before Christmas at a residential school at a Tyneside University as part of their degree studies. I do believe that this very different style of training will be a real benefit to them and to the public.
It will be June next year or thereabouts before they hit the streets for real. My prayer for them is that they will not lose their enthusiasm and drive and that - in this changing world - they will be valued by the communities they serve for their dedication and commitment and that no one will look down on them because they are young.
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