This Is Guernsey

EIGHT recruits have embarked on a career with the police. They will be the second group to be trained locally after 15 people began a similar programme last year.

Formerly an inspector with the Hampshire Constabulary, Gordon Chambers and his wife, Lyn, have their own company which teaches recruits.

They were contracted last year to design and write a new learning and development programme for the local force.

‘Guernsey Police had its induction course evaluated and it has been revised to improve it,’ said Mr Chambers.

‘It’s a very modern intensive programme for them, even compared to the UK, and I think it sets them up well.’

The induction course is followed by another on law and procedures. Each lasts for 10 weeks.

The first part covers formal training, community placement, officer safety, first aid, IT, work shift attachment and preparation for the law and procedure section.

A consolidation exercise is held at the end of the crime phase that involves a day of practical work.

Trainees have to interview a witness and suspect, make an arrest, carry out custody procedures, charge someone and give evidence in court.

‘It’s more of a confidence building exercise because by then we know what they can do,’ said Mr Chambers.

Jules Duquemin, 29, said being a part of the police force was something she has thought about since she was 19.

‘I thought I was too young so I went away to get some life experience and then realised I’d had enough of office work,’ she said.

‘I have been given the opportunity to learn loads of new skills.’

She was looking forward to applying everything she had learnt so far.

‘The police do get a lot of bad comment and I want to educate people a bit more to show that we are actually trying to help.

‘Personal safety can sometimes be of concern, but we are trained in that and it’s something that is becoming more realistic in our training every day.’

Pete Geddes, 35, has been a special constable for more than two years and said he enjoyed it so much he decided to move to a full-time position.

‘I like the extent of all the training and it’s reassuring when we do become operational,’ he said.

A perk of the job for Mr Geddes was the variety of work.

‘What I enjoy most at the moment is the fact that every week is different and, operationally, every single day will be different.

‘It’s about expecting the unexpected and not being able to anticipate,’ he said.

Russell Johnson, 19, agreed.

‘We never know what we are going to have to deal with from day to day,’ said the former Pangbourne College student.

‘I’m just looking forward to getting out on the street.’

Chambers Training works in conjunction with the police’s training officer, Sergeant Jim Bell.