SURREY Police has welcomed its latest police officer recruits into the force with a ceremony held at Guildford Cathedral.

The occasion last Friday marked the end of months of hard work and training, giving the officers the opportunity to shine in front of their proud family and friends.

It included a passing out parade which saw the 41 probationers marching with The Royal Artillery Band before being inspected by Surrey chief constable Nick Ephgrave as they stood to attention.

After this the new officers were presented with their independent patrol status in the ceremony that followed.

It came just days after another ceremony on Tuesday, March 28, in which more than 70 teenagers were enrolled as the county’s first official volunteer police cadets.

The cadets, who are aged between 13 and 17, gave an oath and were presented with a certificate by Surrey Police Temporary Assistant Chief Constable Helen Collins.

The first three units are based across the county at three host schools in Epsom and Ewell, Runnymede and Woking run by voluntary leadership teams of officers, staff and Police Support Volunteers.

The cadets attend weekly two-hour sessions during term time and are also encouraged to do something positive in their local communities by supporting local policing priorities, assisting at events and delivering training to groups.

As well as gaining a knowledge and experience in policing they will develop inter-personal skills and confidence and have the opportunity to achieve qualifications such as Duke of Edinburgh awards.

Surrey Police are currently looking to expand the scheme to a total of six units across the county.

The Police and Crime Commissioner for Surrey, David Munro, said: “The National Volunteer Police Cadet scheme is a brilliant programme that benefits both teenagers taking part and the wider public.

“The scheme encourages young people from all walks of life, to gain valuable skills in policing as well as inspiring them to engage positively with their communities, all whilst improving their employability.

“Following the decision to re-introduce the cadet scheme, myself and my office were proud to support this by offering funding for both the new cadet uniforms and the dedicated sergeant post to lead the cadets.

“I am strongly committed to doing all we can to offer young people in Surrey the opportunity to take an interest in their local community and ultimately help open doors to allow them to pursue a future career in policing.”

To find out more about joining Surrey Police as a volunteer or police officer, visit the website www.sur

rey.police.uk/jobs.