The attestation ceremony took place with covid safety measures in place, while proud family members and friends watched via Zoom. Among the new recruits was PC Matt Rhys-Williams, from Burgess Hill who said he was inspired to join the police by officers he liaised with as a manager of the Co-op. Deputy Chief Constable Julia Chapman said: “I am delighted to welcome these new officers to the force – and it was a pleasure to formally meet them earlier this week. “They have commenced their policing career at a challenging time, and each is enthusiastic and determined to make a positive difference to communities and individuals when they join their new teams across Sussex in June. “I wish them all every luck in their new career. “I am proud that through the hard work and innovation of our training teams we have trained 279 recruit police officers since lockdown began in March 2020, as well as 70 PCSO apprentices, through adapting to meet social distancing regulations. “In the last financial year this has seen a net increase of more than 179 police constables, ensuring we keep our frontline strong and deliver on our priorities to protect communities, catch criminals and deliver an outstanding service. “This growth is set to continue in the new financial year, with an uplift of 117 extra police officers to be funded by the national recruitment campaign and the council tax policing precept.” The new officers will spend nine weeks training at the county police HQ in Lewes before joining dedicated coaching units in police stations countywide where they will continue their three year Police Constable Degree Apprenticeship on the streets, alongside a coach.