Congratulations to PCDA students

Congratulations to 22 student officers who have passed out from their initial learning phase of the Police Constable Degree Apprenticeship (PCDA) on Thursday 2 February 2023.

The event was held at Cleveland Police Central Headquarters and provided a welcome opportunity for the student officers from Cohort 4/22 to celebrate with their family and friends.

Honoured guests included the Deputy Lord Lieutenant of North Yorkshire Professor Graham Henderson, CBE; Assistant Chief Constable (ACC) Victoria Fuller of Cleveland Police; Dr Helen Dudiak, Associate Dean in Teesside University's School of Social Sciences, Humanities; and Law and Angela King, Head of the Law, Policing and Investigation Department at Teesside University.

The PCDA mixes dynamic practical on-the-job learning alongside academic classroom-based theory and is run in conjunction between Cleveland Police and Teesside University. The PCDA normally take three years to complete.

At the ceremony, which marked the students passing the initial learning part of the PCDA before going out on shifts, three students were recognised with awards:

• PC 3308 Hannah Smoker received an award from the Force as 'Outstanding Officer. Hannah also received an award from Teesside University due to the high standard of her academic work.
• PC 3304 Rebecca Brennan received a 'Special Recognition' award for her hard work in raising £320 for Maxi's Mates, a local charity which rescues and rehomes dogs. PC Brennan also received an award from Teesside University due to the high standard of her academic work.
• PC 3298 Kayley Aithwaite received an award from the Force as 'Most Improved Student'.

In addition to monies raised for Maxis Mates, Cohort 4/22 also raised £1200 for the Ellen Timney Foundation, which is a charity supporting sick and underprivileged children with specialist medical equipment in the north-east.

ACC Victoria Fuller said: “Congratulations to all of our officers about to embark on the next stage of their careers, serving the public and keeping our communities safe. I am so proud and excited in equal measure that they will now have the opportunity to put their learning into practice and deliver the best possible service to those who need us."

Angela King, Head of Law, Policing and Investigation at Teesside University, said: “It was fantastic to witness the students embark upon the first stage of what I am sure will be rich and fulfilling careers. “We are delighted to work in partnership with Cleveland Police to develop the PCDA and help the next generation of police officers grow the necessary knowledge and skills to ensure that our communities continue to be safe and enjoyable places to live."

Julie Cowen, Head of Learning and Development at Cleveland Police, added: “The PCDA helps student officers pick up theoretical knowledge whilst also working on the job. They learn about all aspects of policing by covering different attachments, which can help improve their knowledge of the organisation and build their confidence. Well done to all of you."

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