Sussex Police welcome 88 new officers at historic attestation ceremony

Sussex Police have further bolstered their ranks with the addition of 88 officers and detectives at a historic attestation ceremony.

It was the first for more than 70 years where new recruits swore allegiance to the His Majesty King Charles III, following the passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II last month.

The ceremony was held at East Sussex National Golf Club (below) on Monday, October 3.

Forty-four of the new recruits will be enrolling on the Police Constable Degree Apprenticeship (PCDA) route, a further 27 will be taking the PC Degree Holder Entry Programme (DHEP) programme while the remaining 17 will be taking Detective Degree Holder Entry Programme (DDHEP) course.

One of the new recruits, Anita Rai, said:

“I’m a proud British Asian woman and have been an English teacher for nearly 15 years. I’ve always thought I could cut it as a detective; I love the idea of finding and delving into the evidence, and of course making a difference to the lives of the people I serve. I have a strong sense of justice and want to make the society in which we live a safer place to be. 

“The murder of Sarah Everard was pivotal for me. I know that we must build public confidence and trust in policing. I’m so excited about embarking on this challenging and hopefully rewarding journey and am very much looking forward to starting.”

Cristine Gerosa (above) said:

“I have always wanted to help others. Originally, I was going to follow in my mother’s footsteps and become a nurse in my native Switzerland. However, after seven years and various placements, I just knew it wasn't the right fit for me. After completing a degree at the University of Brighton, I became a PCSO in March 2020 and I was in the first intake of PCSOs during the pandemic.

“This journey has opened me to a world whereby I can help people and the community in ways I never knew I could. I have held the hands of vulnerable, I have taken home upset women in the middle of the night, I have cried tears with my colleagues for jobs that hit a bit too close to home and I have held my loved ones after I have witnessed others losing theirs.

“However, it was very clear from the beginning that my real desire is to help victims of sexual offences - crimes that can cause years, if not decades worth of pain, even after the physical harm has healed. Crimes that will change the victims' lives, and that too often happen behind closed doors. It’s for this reason, I have decided to start another learning journey and become a Detective Constable. I will now be able to help justice to be served and for the community to feel even just a little bit safer.”

Fellow new recruit Caden Miles (above) said:

“Following a difficult time in my personal life, I enlisted in the police cadets in Eastbourne so that I could assist the public and learn more about policing. I worked alongside the finest colleagues and role models motivating me to strive and fulfil my ambitions.

“I want to collaborate with everyone because their diversity of knowledge will enable me to improve, not just as a person, but also as an outstanding officer. I would eventually like to mentor future individuals who are interested in becoming police officers.”

Samuel Mawson (above) said:

“I am looking forward to the variety that comes from working a range of cases and experience different situations. I've always had a strong sense of right and wrong and have loved providing a good service to the public during my career in retail. The police is a perfect way to combine the two and having a bigger impact on the people around me. I love problem solving and have an eye for the solution that is not often spotted by others. Additionally, I have built up leadership skills that enable me to work with people from all walks of life.”

Chief Constable Jo Shiner said: “The attestation is a pivotal moment in the career of our new recruits, and one that should be viewed with immense proudness by not only the recruits themselves, but by their families and friends.

“This attestation is history-making, as it’s the first time in Sussex Police that our new recruits will swear allegiance to our King, following the sad passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.

“Policing is the best job in the world. No day is the same and our recruits can look forward to a feeling of real achievement after every shift, knowing they’ve played a valued part in keeping Sussex safe.

“The role isn’t easy. Determination, resilience, and an unwavering desire to do what is right for others are cornerstones of our force. It is a real privilege to attend every attestation and speak to each recruit, who come to us from all experiences and backgrounds. I look forward to following their careers and I am thrilled that they have decided to serve our communities in Sussex.”

Sussex Police and Crime Commissioner Katy Bourne said: “I want to extend my sincere congratulations to those attested today.

“Whilst Sussex Police’s high expectations, priorities and values remain the same, a new journey begins as officers will now swear their oath to serve with fairness, integrity, diligence, and impartiality to His Majesty King Charles III. I wish these new officers all the best as they continue their challenging yet rewarding careers in protecting the public and preventing crime.”