TRAINEE police officers will be able to prepare for the job closer to home after the opening of a new facility. Officers in Hertford-shire Constabulary will now spend 12 weeks of their training at the new centre at Letchworth GC police station, which was

TRAINEE police officers will be able to prepare for the job closer to home after the opening of a new facility.

Officers in Hertford-shire Constabulary will now spend 12 weeks of their training at the new centre at Letchworth GC police station, which was opened this week.

Previously trainees would have needed to spend the time at a residential course in Ryton, Warwickshire and Ashford, Kent.

The opening of the centre marks the final part of a two year project, known as Compass, to prepare Hertfordshire Police to train all student officers in-house.

Each officer's training will begin with four weeks at police headquarters in Welwyn GC.

At the Letchworth GC centre lessons will include police powers and common offences, crime investigation, victim needs, traffic law, interview and custody procedures.

Compass Project chair Supt Iain McVie said: "This is a very exciting time for the constabulary as we put the final touches to the radically revamped training programme which means all student officers will now be trained in-house for the first time.

"The modernised training programme will better equip police officers with the right skills to carry out their varied duties."

Organisers are looking for members of the public to help out in the training programme by taking part in role plays and practical exercises.

To help you must be able to give up at least six hours of your time.

For more information, contact Sarah Ashdown on 01462 425118.