Four police cadets the latest face of Warwickshire Police

Introducing PCs Ben Rowton, Zara Davies, Adam Vine and Ben Avery, who have all recently started on the force’s latest PCDA (Police Constable Degree Apprenticeship) intake at the end of March.

All four officers were previously cadets with the force, and have now taken the next leap into their policing careers.

PC Zara Davies

Zara was a cadet with Warwickshire Police for three years between 2019 and 2021. She applied for the PCDA scheme in 2021 when in her last year of Sixth Form. The application process took 6 months and included assessments, fitness tests, face to face interviews, situational judgment tests.

Zara is most looking forward to meeting new people, being able to finally do the job she’s worked so hard to achieve and most importantly, be able to make a difference and be a familiar and trusted face to the public when needed.

Speaking about the start of the course, Zara said: “The first challenge was getting to know everyone but everyone is so lovely and you soon become close as this is now your police family. We are all helping each other out where we can so it becomes less daunting.”

Zara was a cadet based in North Warwickshire, and wanted to stay with the force. She said: “I know how the force works, I know it’s a very good force to work for and having some familiar faces will definitely make the job easier. Being a police cadet helped to put into perspective what was expected of me as an officer and a cadet, and also enabled me to meet PCs and police staff from across the force in order to gain a better insight and positive opinion on Warwickshire Police.”

On advice to potential applicants, Zara said: “Persevere through the application process - it’s long but so worthwhile, I know have a lifetime career in the police. It was my dream job and because I persevered and didn’t give up I’ve now got it.

“Also, don’t be afraid to make mistakes in training - we train for a reason, we’re not expected to be perfect or get it right first time, that’s why we train - to realise our mistakes and then tackle it with our trainers to become the best PC possible.”

PC Adam Vine

Adam was a cadet from 2017 to 2019, he said: “I wanted to join the PCDA because it provides an opportunity to get a degree that is paid for alongside being a police officer.

“This gives me a unique opportunity to develop my critical thinking skills, and apply my newfound knowledge at the same time. It may also set me apart if I decide to progress through the ranks or go on to different roles.”

Adam said: “I’m most looking forward to getting out on shift and being able to see the difference I make and put the knowledge and skill I’ll be learning in to use. It will also allow me to hone those skills. “

A highlight so far for Adam was attesting and receiving the certificate. He said: “Being able to set in stone that I’ve achieved my dream was an amazing feeling. It’s also a good reminder to take my powers and duties seriously. I’m in a position of responsibility and trust now and my certificate is a symbol of that.”

On choosing to apply to Warwickshire Police, he said: “I chose Warwickshire because it’s a family. This is a common theme throughout Warwickshire Police and I was first introduced to it in the cadets. We support and care for one another. You’re an individual in this service, not a number. It allows us to build close, lasting friendships. I think this brings the very best out of us because we know we are valued.”

While Adam has been in force long enough yet to experience any serious challenges, he expects a tough three years ahead “because Warwickshire wants only the very best officers – so I expect to come across some hurdles soon enough.”

Adam’s advice to others looking to apply or who are already in the process would be to not over complicate things, be patient and “show them what sets you apart from the other applicants.” He continued, “policing can be a very difficult job with many challenges but if you can push through and persevere you’re already halfway there. I worried on many occasions when I wasn’t contacted for a month or two. This process takes time, but if you commit, you won’t find a better place to work.”

PC Ben Rowton

Ben was a cadet in North Warwickshire from 2018 – 2021, having wanted to be a police officer from a young age. Having volunteered at events with regular officers as a cadet, Ben knew he wanted to stay with Warwickshire Police and felt the PCDA scheme was the perfect opportunity to get him started with his career.

Ben applied in July 2021, and is most looking forward to beginning his career and starting his placement on response in Bedworth. On giving advice to new or potential applications, Ben said: “Make sure that you are ready to do your fitness test, but don’t put too much pressure on yourselves.

“Do your research into what the course entails, especially regarding studying and on the job training. You will only get out of the course what you put in.”

PC Ben Avery

Ben was in the cadets between 2017-2019, and chose to apply for the PCDA scheme as it enabled him to do the job he has always wanted to do, while also being able to study towards a fully funded degree. His application took around 10 months.

Ben is most looking forward to joining his response shift and learning the role out on the beat.

He wanted to join Warwickshire as ‘he felt it was the right force for him’. He said: “As the area consists of both rural and urban communities, it provides a variety of experience and opportunities for learning and development.”

Ben’s advice to potential applicants would be to go for it and submit an application form. He said: “Being a police officer is like no other job and provides so many opportunities for professional development. If applicants are going through the process, I would recommend gathering an understanding of the competencies and values framework as well the code of ethics. This will help support them through the process.”

Chief Constable Debbie Tedds said: “It is my absolute pleasure to welcome our latest cohort of PCDA students into the force, as they commence their policing careers with us.

“It’s wonderful to see that four of our former police cadets have now joined us as full-time officers, having already experienced policing in Warwickshire and subsequently wanting to stay with the force to progress their careers.

“We are incredibly proud of the ‘family feel’ of Warwickshire Police and the supportive and caring nature of the force, and it is fantastic that the former cadets have felt and experienced this over the period they have been part of the force. This is something we absolutely aspire to, as I want every single officer and member of staff to feel valued and respected for the work they do in supporting our communities and providing public service.

“As with all our student officers, juggling study and a new job will be a challenge but one that we hope will be rewarding and fulfilling. I look forward to seeing everyone’s progression and wish them all the very best with their training and future careers.”

We are recruiting! If you are interested in the Police Constable Degree Apprenticeship scheme, or other entry routes into joining Warwickshire Police, please see here: Police Constable Degree Apprenticeship (PCDA) | Warwickshire Police

Issued: HCB, Corporate Communications