GMP recruit first cohort of part time officers

Greater Manchester Police (GMP) has welcomed 28 part time officers at an attestation which took place at Sedgley Park on Wednesday 27 October 2021.

This is the first ever cohort of part time officers for the Force, and all 28 officers will be taking up the post of a regular police officer, working 20 hours a week.

The officers were sworn in at a ceremony by Assistant Chief Constable Chris Sykes in front of Magistrate Stephen Paine and have been recruited on a job share basis performing exactly the same role as other police officers and work the same shift pattern, including early, afternoons and nights.

GMP is aiming to make policing open to more applicants by offering this flexible alternative to full time working. Expanding the offer enables male and female applicants who, for work, caring or personal preference, would prefer to be a part time officer, rather than full time.

Policing is a 24 hour, seven day a week responsibility which in the past has restricted some people applying to join the Force, but it is hoped the new part time roles will open up policing as a career to suit a wider range of people.

Detective Sergeant Anna Rickards has been the driving force behind making this possible and has worked with the Metropolitan Police to make this a reality within GMP.

She comments that: "I am a passionate advocate for part time and job share working options for front line police officers.  These part time applicants are fully operational, competent and capable crime fighters and investigators. They will have the same responsibilities as full time officers; responding to 999 calls and being on duty at 2am chasing burglars along with the rest of the team.  

"The pandemic has brought about a seismic change to culture in respect of flexible working options and, given that policing is not a 9-5 job, it is rather fitting to combine cultural change with an exciting new entrants route for our next generation of police officers"

Of the 28 new recruits, 4 are male and 24 are female.

Assistant Chief Constable Chris Sykes said: "This is an exciting step forward for GMP and opens up a fantastic opportunity for people who have been unable to fulfil their dream of becoming a police officer because the role didn't offer enough flexibility.

"Offering part time opportunities enables us to reach out to a wider demographic, which helps us as a Force become much more reflective of the diverse communities we serve.

"I'm proud to welcome our new recruits and wish them the very best as they embark on their policing journeys."

PC Michelle Blake is an officer who was attested explains her reasons for taking up the new part time role. She said: "Ever since I was young I always wanted to be a police officer. I have always wanted to be able to help the local community in ensuring people are safe and enjoy the areas they live in. I really love the uniform and how professional it looks and to be able to wear it with pride and serve in the police is an honour. 

"Having family members in the public service sector and seeing them flourish and enjoy their jobs inspired me further to pursue my dream job.  

"My reason for wanting to work part time is the flexibility it gives. Being a mother of three children, a wife and a sports therapist who owns her own business, working this alongside my current job gives me more security and also job satisfaction. Knowing I can run my own business and join GMP is an amazing opportunity I couldn’t pass on."

There was a high level of interest in the roles and the option to work part time has been particularly attractive to a wider range of people from different backgrounds. There are still positions available for those wanting to join GMP as a part time officer. Please email [email protected] to register your interest. Please do not apply if you are wanting full time.