Women graduates rise to the counter-terror challenge

The majority (sixty per cent) of trainee counter terrorism detectives recruited after completing Police Now’s National Detective Programme (NDP) are female, with 24 per cent coming from a Black, Asian or minority ethnic background, reports Personnel Today.

Last month, 227 trainee detective constables graduated from the intensive programme, which began in March. Seventy-four will now join the Metropolitan Police Service.

Commander Dominic Murphy, head of the Met’s Counter Terrorism Command, told The Times: 

“Police Now has provided an opportunity to reach a different demographic. Rather than our usual approach of recruiting those with ten to 15 years of frontline experience as a police officer, we’re drawing on another generation with a new set of skills.

“The threat has completely transformed. We’re seeing much younger people involved now, with a perception of society and the online world that’s entirely different to my own. The only way to meet that threat is by thinking differently.”

Of those who took part in the NDP, 67 per cent identify as female, 15 per cent are from a Black, Asian or minority ethnic background, and 71 per cent had never considered a career in policing before hearing about Police Now. 

Millie Tanner, head of the National Detective Programme at Police Now, told graduates: 

“Completing this academy is an incredible achievement and you should be really proud of where you stand today, but you know that the real work starts here. My advice to you is this – show up, physically and mentally, put the work in, support your colleagues and allow them to support you. And go and play your part in transforming policing and communities.”