A North East police force has welcomed a cohort of would-be officers to its ranks as the next round of recruitment for more potential “rookie cops” begins.

Durham Police has taken on 29 new student officers who were formally adopted by the force at their attestation ceremony.

They were officially "sworn in" in a ceremony, observed by a magistrate, in which they took their formal oaths and received their warrant cards from Deputy Chief Constable Ciaron Irvine, who, himself, stepped out on his own police career 30 years ago.

Thirteen of the new recruits have joined the force through the Police Constable Degree Apprenticeship (PCDA) route, while the remaining 16 took the Degree Holder Entry Programme (DHEP) pathway.

(Image: Durham Constabulary)

The ceremony also gave the opportunity to welcome 21 officers who have successfully completed their two-year DHEP courses, in partnership with Northumbria University.

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Proud family members and friends attended the event, wishing good luck all the new and recently recognised officers as they were welcomed to the force “team”.

The next round of police constable recruitment opens from Monday (September 16).

Details of all existing opportunities to join the force are on its website, www.durham.police.uk, on the current vacancies section.