Bedfordshire Police has marked a week of ceremonies by welcoming 28 new officers and detectives while also honouring 20 colleagues for their service and investigations.
The force said the week reflected both “experience and new beginnings”, with new recruits sworn in and long-serving officers and staff recognised for their contribution to policing.
New recruits join the force
The celebrations began on 9 March, when chief constable Trevor Rodenhurst welcomed 12 officers who had completed the Police Constable Degree Apprenticeship route.
The three-year programme allows student officers to earn a salary while studying for a fully funded degree with Anglia Ruskin University.
A second ceremony followed last week (11 March), when 16 new detectives were sworn in after completing the two-year fast-track Detective Degree Holder Entry Programme.
The event was hosted by assistant chief constable John Murphy and attended by the Bedfordshire Police and Crime Commissioner, John Tizard, and the High Sheriff of Bedfordshire, Camilla King.
The force said the new recruits had joined from a wide range of previous careers, including baristas, a swimming instructor and a theatre technician.
Those joining through the officer route will now work on the frontline responding to incidents requiring an immediate police response, while those on the detective pathway are expected to move into the Criminal Investigation Department (CID).
Long service and commendations
Alongside the new recruits, 20 officers and staff were recognised for their service to policing.
Deputy chief officer Phil Wells presented long service medals to 10 officers and staff whose combined service totalled more than 200 years.
A further nine investigators received Chief Constable’s Commendations for their work on Operation Noriker, the attempted murder investigation that led to Barze Faesal Sadq being jailed for 21 years after attacking a woman near a school in Luton in 2024.
Detective inspector Ben Searle, who oversaw the investigation as a police sergeant at the time, was among those recognised.
“It was a huge honour to be recognised for my work on the investigation, and I am proud to have been part of such an incredible and hard-working team,” he said.
“Policing can be incredibly challenging, but the reward of securing justice for the survivor, and ensuring those responsible for violence against women and girls are pursued and prosecuted to the full extent of the law, is far greater.”
Chief Constable reflects on “significant life decision”
Chief constable Rodenhurst said it had been a pleasure to welcome the new officers and detectives, along with their families and friends.
“We have proudly welcomed 12 new officers and 16 new detectives into the Bedfordshire Police family, joined by their relatives and friends,” he said.
“It is always a pleasure to meet our newest colleagues and to thank both them and their loved ones for the commitment they have made. The support provided by families during initial training and throughout an officer’s career is invaluable.
“Choosing a career in the police service is a significant life decision for both officers and staff. Celebrating colleagues who have dedicated more than 20 years of service is, therefore, an honour.
“Whether newly attested or long-serving, every one of our officers plays a vital role in keeping Bedfordshire’s communities safe.”
