CHESHIRE Police is asking the public “could you walk in our boots?” as part of a drive to recruit new police officers.

The application window opens today, Monday, September 30, for the Police Constable Entry Programme.

No two days are the same as a police officer, and the roles provide opportunities to develop both personally and professionally – all while helping to make a real difference to the communities of Cheshire.

The Constabulary is also giving the public an insight into what officers get involved in through a video which has been released on the force’s social media channels.

Chris Armitt, deputy chief constable, said: “We want hardworking, reliable, and dedicated individuals to join Cheshire Constabulary.

"If you work hard, give your best and always put victims and the communities of Cheshire at the heart of everything you do then you’ll be rewarded with a career like no other.”

The Police Constable Entry Programme (PCEP) has been designed for those aspiring to be a Police Constable and will make sure they have the relevant knowledge and skills and demonstrate the appropriate behaviours to perform their duties lawfully and safely.

Student officers will attend their initial training programme at Headquarters in Winsford. After completing initial training all student officers will deploy to their Local Policing Unit (LPU) and begin their tutor phase, working to become independent officers.

Student officers will be tutored in a frontline operational setting. Once Independent Patrol Status (IPS) has been achieved, students will be deployed onto an Area Investigation Team (AIT) where they will further develop key police investigation skills before a final rotation into one of our Neighbourhood Policing Units.

Superintendent Jez Taylor, head of police officer Training, said: “In Cheshire, Constables are given the training and support they need to give them the confidence to deal with whatever the next call brings.

"Our trainers work hard to give student officers the knowledge and skills they need to be an officer - supporting them through each stage of the training process.

“We will challenge you; we push you to your limits, but if you want to walk in our boots and make Cheshire even safer – then we want to hear from you.”

Candidates can be 17 at the point of application but must be 18 at the point of appointment to apply.

There is no maximum age limit on applications, candidates are required to be both physically fit and healthy to perform policing duties safely and effectively.

Applicants can apply to Cheshire if they have a live application with another force.

Visit the careers section of Cheshire Police's website for more information on the role of a police constable.