New police recruits welcomed to force

NEW GMP recruits at their Stockport Attestation

NEARLY a tenth of new recruits welcomed by Greater Manchester Police come from Oldham.

Eight out of the 85 new recruits welcomed into the force during a special ceremony to formally make them police officers on April 3 come from the borough.

The Attestation Ceremony, held at Stockport Town Hall, gave family and friends the opportunity to witness the group make their oath to uphold their role with fairness, integrity, diligence and impartiality throughout their service.

Chief Con Ian Hopkins, who affirmed the new recruits into their roles, was joined by magistrates Peter Rogerson and Stephen Paine as well as the Mayor and Mayoress of Stockport, Councillor Chris Gordon and Doctor Margaret Gordon.

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

Made up from civilian applicants, the recruits will have to complete a two year probation period, including classroom based learning and one year on active patrol. During their training they will have the same level of authority as regular officers, including the power of arrest.

Chief Con Ian Hopkins said: "This ceremony, like those we have held previously is an important occasion for the police force and our community. We are committed to neighbourhood policing as highlighted in the recent HMIC inspections report. These officers will replace those colleagues who are retiring and will be an asset to the neighbourhood teams they join across the force.

"This Attestation Ceremony like those in coming months is being held locally and also highlights how GMP endeavours to remain a part of the area it serves. Our new recruits have been through rigorous tests and will have to work hard to understand and support our society."