Students on the University of Winchester's professional policing course got a taste of police life from recent graduates now serving as officers.

The four graduates who completed their BSc in professional policing in 2023 are now part of the Thames Valley Police, the largest non-metropolitan force in England.

The students were given the opportunity to engage in face-to-face conversations with the new officers, gaining insights into life on the force.

One of the officers is part of the detective entry programme.

READ MORE: Newsquest Young Reporter Scheme wins prestigious award

Vice-Chancellor of the University of Winchester Professor Sarah Greer with Inspector Andy Fiddler (far right) and four Winchester graduates who are in their first year with Thames Valley Police (Image: University of Winchester) The officers were accompanied by Inspector Andy Fiddler, retention, positive action team, and TVP military lead for Thames Valley.

Inspector Fiddler provided students with information about the routes from university into Thames Valley Police, which covers Oxfordshire, Buckinghamshire and Berkshire and recruits more than 400 officers a year.

Inspector Fiddler said: "You can achieve whatever you want in policing."

He also mentioned the various policing roles available within Thames Valley Police, given its size, allowing officers to specialise later in their careers.

Inspector Fiddler himself has been an integral part of the force and was involved in the drafting of Harper’s Law, which ensures harsher punishments for those who kill an emergency service worker while on duty.

The law was introduced following the death of PC Andrew Harper in 2019.

SEE MORE: Winchester care home residents and schoolchildren spread joy to community

The officers were welcomed back by the university's vice-chancellor, Professor Sarah Greer.

She said: "We are always pleased when our students come back to visit."

Addressing the four graduates, Professor Greer added: "We are incredibly proud of what you have achieved. You are role models for the students here."

The day left a positive impact on the students who are currently pursuing the professional policing degree.

Dr Daryl Kenny, programme leader for the professional policing degree, said: "It was great seeing former students passing on such useful insight to current students and for Inspector Fiddler to highlight the many opportunities within Thames Valley Police for graduates of our BSc (Hons) Professional Policing Degree."

The initiative provided a realistic insight into what students can expect in their policing careers and how they can carve their unique paths within the force.

With the course designed to provide comprehensive knowledge and skills required in policing, many graduates find themselves working with police organisations such as Thames Valley Police.