THE first batch of new-style CID students have graduated at a special ceremony at West Mercia Constabulary headquarters.

The nine newly-qualified detectives attended the special event at Hindlip having completed the initial crime investigators development programme. They were presented with certificates of achievement by Detective Chief Superintendent Trevor Albutt.

He said: "The officers have passed a national exam, completed a rigorous course and a portfolio of work to demonstrate their on-the-job experience. The professionalised investigation process is the most radical development to affect policing in the last decade.

"It is designed to enhance crime investigation skills and abilities of police officers and drive through new standards of police investigation at every level."

The new training programme came into effect at the beginning of April last year.