21 October 2008 - PC Laura Garside has become the first student officer in Milton Keynes to graduate as a police constable after achieving her NVQ in Policing. In August 2006, NVQ Level Three and Four in Policing was introduced to all student officers as a requirement to graduate as a police constable.
21 October 2008PC Laura Garside has become the first student officer in Milton Keynes to graduate as a police constable after achieving her NVQ in Policing.
In August 2006, NVQ Level Three and Four in Policing was introduced to all student officers as a requirement to graduate as a police constable.
Picture of PC Laura Garside (left), Superintendent Gez Chiariello (middle), and PC Chris Horner (right) There are currently 49 student officers in Milton Keynes who have to complete two years student probation which includes 66 weeks of NVQ education and assessments. Each student officer has a dedicated assessor who mentors them through their probation and NVQ.
The NVQ involves a huge amount of work by the student officer which includes how they deal with incidents, members of the public including victims and offenders, and how they collate and document the evidence. All of the work is assessed by the assessor who also patrols with the student officers to ensure best practice.
PC Chris Horner, development and assessment officer, said: “Laura has worked incredibly hard to achieve this milestone in her career.
“The NVQ requires that the officer shows their ability across a wide range of policing skills. Laura has demonstrated these skills and provided evidence of using best policing practice to achieve the NVQ standard. She should be very proud of her accomplishment and I wish her well as she progresses through her career."
PC Garside said: “The two years probation has been challenging, stressful and hard work, but this is where the hard work really begins.
"I want to thank Chris and all of my colleagues who have helped me achieve my NVQ. I am looking forward to the challenges that I will face. And knowing that I am helping Milton Keynes to be a safer place is the greatest job satisfaction of all.”
PC Garside graduated at Drayton Park Golf Club near Abingdon on 26 September.
Superintendent Gez Chiariello, Milton Keynes local police area commander, said: “I am very pleased for Laura.
"The NVQ requires dedication and commitment, which is also essential in becoming a police constable. The qualification is something that all student officers can gain and keep for life. I wish Laura all the best in her career with Thames Valley Police."
