Nine retired Cambridgeshire officers handed over their old collar number to nine new recruits at a passing out ceremony at the force’s HQ yesterday (3rd February).

The force’s 16 new recruits were all assigned collar numbers previously belonging to retired officers, and nine were handed over in person.

The idea was thought of by Assistant Chief Constable Dan Vajzovic before his move to the Eastern Region Operations Unit.

Mr Vajzovic took inspiration from the New Zealand All Blacks rugby team who have a system whereby famous former players hand over their old shirt numbers on the iconic jerseys to new players.

Mr Vajzovic said: “There is so much more to a police officer’s collar number than people might think – for many of our officers their collar numbers represent not only who they are but their work throughout their career.

“To hand over that collar number to a new officer entirely must be a great feeling, but I’m sure there’s also some emotion in doing so.

“Thank you to the first of our retired police officers who have taken this step in a new tradition for the force’s passing out ceremonies. We look forward to this continuing for many more years to come and I’d like to thank those at NARPO for helping us make this idea a reality.”

Retired officer Vanessa Firn handed over her collar number (506) to new recruit Natasha Morgan. Ms Firn said: "I had my collar number for nearly 32 years. The idea of handing it over is brilliant; I feel a real affinity with Natasha and I'd like to stay in touch with her in case she ever needs any advice."

Ms Morgan added that it was "a real privilege" to be given Vanessa's collar number and also to meet her in person today.

Michael Sampson passed on his collar number (2053) to new officer Toby Wilding. Mr Sampson said: "I was only given this collar number when I was promoted, so I had to work really hard for it. It's emotional handing it over to someone new, but I'm glad it's going to a very credible young man."

Mr Wilding added: "It's quite something to be given Michael's collar number because I feel like I'm carrying on his legacy. He's done so much in his career and I hope I can live up to that and make him proud."

The new recruits marched in front of their friends and family before being inspected by Chief Constable Nick Dean in Huntingdon yesterday.

It is the force’s second passing out parade in 2020 and brings the total number of new recruits up to 32 so far this year.

Speaking at the ceremony CC Dean said: "You have joined a fantastic police family. Work hard, challenge yourself and become the best police officer you can be.

 "You have all done tremendously well from when you first sent your applications to the constabulary.

"It is only right that holding such a privileged position as a warranted police officer brings with it accountability and responsibility, both on and off duty.

"Being a police officer is not just about holding a warrant card, it's about having a vocation. You can no longer walk on by - your job is to investigate and where appropriate, act.”

H went on to say: "However, the rewards of entering policing are there - never lose sight of the varied, exciting, enjoyable and challenging career that you have just entered. 

"You are now in a position to make a difference and my strong advice to you is to go and do exactly that."