Force welcomes 100 new recruits to ranks

SWORN IN . . . Attestation for new GMP recruits at The Oldham Academy North

OLDHAM was the venue as Greater Manchester Police welcomed another 100 new recruits into their ranks.

The new officers were sworn in at an attestation ceremony at The Oldham Academy North.

Watched by friends and family, the new officers made an oath to uphold the role of constable with fairness, integrity, diligence and impartiality throughout their service.

Joining Chief Constable Ian Hopkins were magistrates Joan Cooper and Mike Phillips.

The recruits are from a range of backgrounds, bringing with them new skills that will assist as they start their role policing their communities. Many of them are fluent in a second language, which will help give access to services for all communities in Greater Manchester.

Chief Con Hopkins said: " Policing our local communities across Greater Manchester with the support of local people is at the heart of policing.

"It is therefore fitting that their attestation ceremony is held in the heart of the community.

"This group of officers is the first since 2009 to be recruited directly from our communities, rather than already having a role within policing. They have all come through a very rigorous recruitment and selection process, but the hard work starts here."

He said: "I am certain that they will all be great assets to the GMP and the people of Greater Manchester."

Greater Manchester Police and Crime Commissioner Tony Lloyd said: "It's great to see a new wave of police officers ready to take to the streets of Greater Manchester. Each brings their own unique strengths, skills and experiences and will be an asset to the communities they serve.

"I'm pleased to see that of the 100 new recruits from local communities, more than a third are from black and minority ethnic backgrounds. These new officers are part of a significant investment and continued commitment to neighbourhood policing, bringing new blood, new ideas and more diversity into the service, which can only bring benefits for the wider community."