50 new officers sworn in at socially distanced attestation

Last month Greater Manchester Police (GMP) proudly welcomed 50 new officers at an attestation ceremony at Sedgley Park on Monday 24 August.

The officers were sworn in across three ceremonies to allow for social distancing where, watched by members of the training team, they swore the Police Oath in front of Chief Constable Ian Hopkins and officiating magistrate Stephen Paine.

The ceremony marks the end of the officers’ training, which due to COVID-19 has looked different to previous years with a lot of learning done online and teaching in socially distanced classrooms, and the start of the officers commencing their official duties.

GMP’s Deputy Chief Constable Ian Pilling, said: “It is always encouraging to see new recruits ready to officially begin their policing career and play their role in protecting society and helping to keep the people of Greater Manchester safe.

“Although, due to the pandemic, our attestation ceremonies are looking a little different, our standard and purpose remains the same. As a force we take pride in offering the best possible service to the people of Greater Manchester and keeping our communities safe is at the forefront of the work we do every day. I have every confidence that our new recruits will be a great asset to us here at GMP.”