Patrol begins for Police in Recklinghausen, marking their initial duty shift
**New Police Officers Begin Practical Training in Recklinghausen and Bottrop**
The first students from the 2024 Bachelor cohort of Police NRW have embarked on their practical training phase, marking a significant milestone in their journey to becoming fully-fledged police officers. The training, which started in the Recklinghausen district and Bottrop city, kicked off on July 7th at Zeche Scherlebeck in Herten [3][4].
A total of 107 students are partaking in this hands-on learning experience, which is an integral part of their education. The practical phase allows them to gain real-world police experience, engaging in various tasks such as patrol duties, learning intervention techniques, and working closely with serving police officers [1][2].
This practical training is a crucial component of the broader police education system in NRW, which combines theoretical studies at the Hochschule für Polizei und öffentliche Verwaltung NRW with practical placements. This approach ensures that students are well-prepared for the demands of police service by mixing classroom learning with extensive on-the-job experience [1][2].
The students, who are often seen as the first choice in emergencies, may be called upon in situations where others do not know what to do. They are being encouraged to rely on their good training during the practical phase, as it will challenge them both physically and emotionally [5].
The practical phase offers the students an opportunity to apply theoretical content in real-life situations, under the guidance of experienced tutors who will accompany them throughout the training period. These tutors provide a close look at the community within the police and the familial togetherness [6].
Police President Friederike Zurhausen welcomed the aspiring police officers and emphasised the importance of their role in protecting democracy [7]. She stated that police officers play a vital role in maintaining the rule of law and safeguarding the democratic values of our society.
Some of the students have already completed internships in the police authority, as they had previously obtained the Fachabitur Polizei in the FOS program [8]. The Fachabitur Polizei program is offered by the Next Level platform (www.next-level-polizei.de/fachoberschule-polizei) [9].
The practical phase is essential for bridging academic study and active police service, offering students valuable exposure to police work in a real community context. After the welcome ceremony at Zeche Scherlebeck in Herten, the students will continue their practical phase, gaining invaluable experience in the field of policing.
The practical training, an essential part of the education-and-self-development process for the first students of the 2024 Bachelor cohort, is allowing them to engage in learning experiences such as patrol duties and collaborating with serving police officers. This hands-on learning experience is crucial in preparing them for the demands of police service by mixing classroom learning with extensive on-the-job experience.
