Pass out parade for 47 new officers

We’ve welcomed 39 new police constables and eight new detectives into our service following a ceremony held in Newport, with the Welsh Government’s minister for social Justice and chief whip, Jane Hutt CBE in attendance.

More than 45 newly qualified officers have celebrated the completion of their training at a pass out parade held at Newport’s Lysaght Institute.

Thirty-nine police constables and eight detectives, who applied through the direct entry scheme, were welcomed into Gwent Police by Chief Constable Pam Kelly at the ceremony on Friday 23 June.

The chief constable was joined by Jane Hutt MS, the Welsh Government’s minister for social justice and chief whip, and Jeff Cuthbert, the police and crime commissioner for Gwent, along with family and friends of the 47 new officers.

They were joined at the ceremony by Deputy Chief Constable Rachel Williams, the Deputy Police and Crime Commissioner Eleri Thomas, the Lord Lieutenant of Gwent Robert Aitken, and the High Sheriff of Gwent Simon Gibson.

Chief Constable Pam Kelly said:

“Welcoming our new members into the police service, each with a variety of skillsets and talents, is an exciting and rewarding moment.

“This ceremony is one of the first milestones in their policing careers, and I’m proud to join these new officers, and their family and friends, for this special occasion.

“In addition to the 39 new police constables, we have eight new detectives starting with Gwent Police through the direct entry route and I hope this is the first cohort of many.

“We’re committed to providing protection and reassurance to the public and these new officers will be part of our continued goal to deliver the best possible service to our communities.

“I’d also like to thank Jane Hutt MS, the minister for social justice and chief whip, for her attendance at the ceremony.

“The minister's attendance will be of great encouragement to these new officers who are starting their journey with us as the next generation of police professionals.

“We wish them well and thank them for stepping into a role that is critical to keeping our communities safe. Good luck to all those graduating today.”

Minister for Social Justice and Chief Whip, Jane Hutt said:

“Policing is such an important part of our communities, playing a vital role in ensuring people in feel protected.

“While policing is not devolved to Wales, the Welsh Government believes deeply in the values of community, equality, and social justice, which is why we’ve chosen to invest in it. We’re maintaining funding for 500 police community support officers and are committed to increasing their number by 100 over this Senedd term.

“This will help ensure communities are strong and safe, with the resources they need to cut crime, which is exactly what these new 47 officers will provide to the people of Gwent. It was a pleasure to be at their pass out parade. I’d like to send my warmest congratulations and wish every one of them good luck as they begin their policing journey.”

Police and Crime Commissioner Jeff Cuthbert said:

"I am proud to join the chief constable, the minister for social justice and, of course, the family and friends of these new police officers to formally mark the start of their policing career.

“I have committed to increasing police officer posts in Gwent and today we are in a much better position than when I was first elected in 2016, with more than 350 extra police officers serving our communities.

"These new recruits have demonstrated hard work, dedication and commitment to Gwent’s communities and must be commended. I wish them all the best for the future."

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