A NEW draft of student police officers have joined neighbourhood policing teams to continue their probationary training.

The 22 officers will be dispersed across several Cleveland Police teams to sharpen their skills.

Traditionally, new officers on their two-year probation have cut their teeth on response policing teams, dealing with 999 emergencies but they will now spend their time getting to know local communities and dealing with neighbourhood priorities and issues out on the beat.

Chief Constable Iain Spittal said: “As they carve out their careers, being in neighbourhood policing at this early stage will give them a solid foundation for the future. Whether they stay in neighbourhood policing or venture into detective work, roads policing, or other avenues, the skills gained in dealing with issues at street level will stay with them.”

The police constables have been formally inducted into the Neighbourhood and Partnership Policing Command and have started on new shifts across Redcar and Cleveland, Stockton, Middlesbrough and Hartlepool.

Police and Crime Commissioner Barry Coppinger said: “This is great news for our communities and a boost for neighbourhood policing. I’ve given a firm commitment to strengthen neighbourhood policing as I know how important it is for local people.”