Student Officer Course

The Sussex Police Student Officer Course is a new and innovative way of training police officers.

Student officers will be trained locally in universities within Sussex instead of completing a 12 week residential course in Ashford - which means that if you don't want to be away from home because of family commitments, you don't need to be.

No longer will new recruits be called probationers. Their new title will be student officer - which ties in with other public sector training programmes such as student nurses.

There will be university based lessons followed by placements with Divisional Development Units (DDUs) to facilitate the practical application of these sessions. This on the job training will make a real difference as you'll be learning relevant skills from day one and gain an understanding of what is required of a police officer.

You will also take part in a community placement, which means you will learn about the communities that you will eventually police.

The Student Officer Course is designed to prepare you for 21st century policing and offer a you commitment to lifelong learning.



You've been offered a position as a trainee officer, what exactly can you expect as you start the Student Officer Course?


The Student Officer Course is a different way of learning, discover how it will affect the way you learn, work and live.


There are three varied campus locations throughout Sussex. Find out more about them here.


You can now gain recognised qualifications in policing which will stand you in good stead throughout your career.