CHARITY workers, graduates and multi-lingual speakers are just some of the backgrounds of Greater Manchester Police’s 98 new officers.

They will be officially welcomed by the force tomorrow as part of a formal ceremony to make them police officers.

Chief constable Ian Hopkins said: “I am pleased to see the different experiences, backgrounds and cultures of our new officers.

“I am in no doubt they will be a fantastic addition to team GMP and will help strengthen our links with local people right across Greater Manchester.

“The region is filled with an array of different cultures and communities, which is why it is so important that our recruits are reflective of this.”

Tomorrow’s attestation ceremony at Manchester Grammar School will see the new officers make an oath in front of friends and family to uphold their role with fairness, integrity, diligence and impartiality.

They will be affirmed into their roles by the chief constable, who will be joined by magistrates Stephen Paine and Mike Philips.

Twenty per cent of the new recruits already have previous experience of working for the force as either police staff or as part of the special constabulary.

They will have to complete a two-year probation period which includes classroom-based learning and one year on active patrol.

During their training they will have the same of level of authority as regular officers, including the power of arrest.

Chief constable Hopkins added: “Neighbourhood policing is at the heart of our policing philosophy which highlights the importance of our attestation ceremonies being held in the heart of our communities.

“Our new recruits will join their colleagues in dealing with challenging situations in order to ensure the safety and security of the public.

“I would like to take this opportunity to thank them for choosing to become a part of our police family and wish them all success in their future careers.”

The new officers have been recruited to replace retiring colleagues, maintaining the current level of officer numbers.