DORSET Police is producing a fly-on-the-wall documentary-style look into the training of its newest police officers.

The force will be following recruits through their training with regular updates published online and through social media in a bid to provide an insight into what it takes to become a police officer.

The intake will include 16 trainees, all of whom have passed the stringent application process to make it into the final group and are ready to start the rigorous final training.

Chief Constable Debbie Simpson said: “We’ll follow the highs, and occasional lows, as our new officers are put through their paces.

“Our police officers take great pride in protecting the local community and we are excited that for the first time members of the public can track our probationers’ development as they make their way towards becoming fully trained Dorset Police officers.”

The public will be able to gain an understanding of the skills and information the students are required to learn, from legislation through first aid to officer personal safety training and custody training, as well as fitness tests and uniform issue.

The group will begin their training on March 16, and the force will be posting updates on its website and Twitter and Facebook pages, with pictures and comments from the students themselves.

Look out for the hashtags #DorsetPoliceRecruits #DPRecruits on social media to follow their progress.

Police and Crime Commissioner Martyn Underhill said: “Despite operating in austere times we have to balance the workforce. It is absolutely right that we recruit new police officers.

“Policing is an excellent career for those who have the drive and passion to make a difference to the communities they serve.”