Sussex Police welcome 77 new recruits to the force

Sussex Police has welcomed 77 new officers at the second attestation ceremony of the year.

The new recruits were sworn in with a formal ceremony at East Sussex National Golf Club on Wednesday, March 30 – the first where family and friends have been able to attend in person since the pandemic started.

They join the force at a time when the latest Police Constable Degree Apprenticeship recruitment window is open for new applications, where individuals applying can earn a degree at the same time as working on the front-line.

The 77 new recruits will dedicate their time to protecting communities, catching criminals, and delivering an outstanding service to the people of Sussex.

39 of the recruits will be embarking on the Police Constable Degree Apprenticeship, 18 recruits will undertake the Police Constable Degree Holder Entry Programme and the Detective Constable Degree Holder Entry Programme will see 20 people join and specialise as a detective.

Deputy Chief Constable Julia Chapman said: “It is a privilege to welcome every one of these new recruits into Sussex Police and see them embark on an exciting new career. Whether joining as a police officer or a detective, policing really is the best career in the world. No two days are the same and the sense of fulfilment these individuals will gain from supporting and protecting our communities is like nothing else. If I had my time again, I would follow the exact same career path!

“We are currently open for police officer recruitment and I would encourage anyone who wants to make a difference in their community or who wants a job where every day provides a new challenge, to visit our website and submit their application.”

Chloe Cressey, 22, from Brighton

For as long as I can remember I have always wanted to work for the police. I was that little girl who used to wave at the police cars as they drove by. I have volunteered for two years with Brighton Beach Patrol, a registered charity which patrols the shoreline and protects vulnerable people, while also working as a PCSO in Hampshire. My main motivation for joining Sussex Police is to help people and make a difference to our community. I pride myself in providing a fantastic service to all victims of crime no matter what their situation may be and believe providing reassurance and the relevant safeguarding advice and support is essential.


Mitch Light, 25, from Eastbourne

I have a long line of family members who have worked for the emergency services and wanted to forge my own path. After working in the Force Command and Control Department for Sussex Police, it made me even more determined to help vulnerable people and victims of crime. My ambition is to progress as much as possible within the police, with the goal of specialising in the tactical firearms unit.

Amanda Archer Simmons, 47, from Eastbourne

I’m a working mum of two children, one of whom has special needs, and prior to becoming a detective I was a qualified A-Level sociology lecturer. Joining the police is something I have always wanted to do. Throughout my 20s, I had the application form in my hands on many occasions, but I never went for it. I still can’t quite believe it. I am both excited and nervous about this journey and I can’t wait to get started. I feel fortunate to be starting a new career and I would love to encourage other ‘older’ individuals to go for it too!

Ryan Wormley, 21, from Eastbourne

In March 2020, I was working at Gatwick Airport but was suddenly made redundant because of the pandemic. This provided me with an opportunity to follow my dream of working for the police. In July 2020, I became a Special Constable which then fuelled my ambition to be a police officer. My main motivation to join Sussex Police is my dad, who joined Sussex Police when I was young. As I grew up, really got an understanding of what a valuable role the police hold within a community.


Lisa Croydon-Miles, 42, from Brighton

After having children at a young age, I worked as a court usher and really enjoyed working within the criminal justice system. I began volunteering with Sussex Pathways, who support ex-offenders when they are released from prison and completed a master’s degree in forensic psychology with the hope of working in prisons or the police. One of my biggest achievements and driving force is my children, showing what you can do, that there are no limits if you work hard enough. I was the first person in my family to go to university and show that you can have children and a career.


Isaac Allum, 24, from Worthing

I have been a PCSO for the last two years and enjoyed every second of it. From searching for high-risk missing people to resolving issues in my community, I have learnt and gained invaluable experiences and skills. I feel the next step on my journey is to become a police officer and I can bring all my knowledge from being a PCSO and learn even more different skills as I serve my community and protect them.

Police and Crime Commissioner Katy Bourne said: “It was a pleasure to attend the Attestation Ceremony on Wednesday evening and to meet some of the 77 new officers who were taking their oaths to be sworn in as constables with Sussex Police.

“The attestations are always a memorable event for the new recruits, their families and friends because they herald the start of their career as a police officer and precede the commencement of their initial training. The officers I spoke to said they were really looking forward to working at the heart of their communities, helping people and keeping Sussex safe.”

Those who are interested in becoming a Sussex Police officer are encouraged to visit the Sussex Police website. Deadlines for applications close on April 11.