A dozen new recruits have begun careers as detectives in Hertfordshire after the first all-female passing out parade at the constabulary.

Career changers including an IT professional have already begun work at 10 stations across the county.

Their 20-week training included a mixture of classroom based and practical sessions covering law and powers, personal safety and dealing with volatile situations, first aid and safeguarding vulnerable victims.

They also undertook the College of Policing’s national investigators’ exam. On-the-job training continues until officers are declared fit for independent patrol.

It’s the latest stage of a major recruitment drive by the force that has included campaigns to find new Specials and BAME people for the Uplift programme.

They are joining 167 new PCs which the force is now having to find extra station space for.

Police and Crime Commissioner for Hertfordshire, David Lloyd said: “It’s great to see even more officers joining the constabulary and building on what is already the largest police service in the history of Hertfordshire. Policing offers fantastic career opportunities, and it welcomes those from all parts of our communities.”

The decision to train graduates is being driven by necessity: nationally, the vacancy rate is around 14% - roughly 5,000 roles.

A combination of factors including recruitment cuts, workload and a wage drop for response officers, means forces are competing to fill specialist roles.

It’s an issue for every force in the country: Devon and Cornwall Police was now running at a shortage of 15%.

And Herts aren’t the only ones to opt for direct entry. Leicestershire revealed last month it has signed up 32 graduate trainees with a further 24 set to start courses in May.

Others are considering less conventional approaches; Hampshire’s Police and Crime Commissioner Donna Jones last year raised the idea of recruiting military intelligence officers to fill posts that have responsibility for OGCs.

Chief Constable Charlie Hall congratulated the cohort at their passing out ceremony at police headquarters in Welwyn Garden City last Friday.

CC Hall said: “This is the first time we’ve had an all-female passing out parade in Hertfordshire. It is always a pleasure to welcome new police officers to the constabulary and this cohort were full of enthusiasm for the job.

“The list of former professions was inspiring, including a teacher, an IT professional and even two of our former emergency call handlers from the force communications room. They are all looking forward to long and rewarding careers in policing.”