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Book due for publication early 2026
Some of my fellow students hated their time at the Ashford police training centre, I loved it! In total I spent 15 weeks in Ashford Kent learning law, procedure and the basics of being a police officer. This is a selection of photos of my time there and some YouTube videos, to give readers a feel for the place.
Fresh Faced Recruits
Fresh Faced Recruits
The author on the back row without a single grey hair!
Photo courtesy of Anita Coleman
A Vehicle Stop Check Practical
A Vehicle Stop Check Practical
Both the uniforms and vehicles have changed quite a bit since then!
Photo courtesy of Anita Coleman
The band from the Passing Out Parade
The band from the Passing Out Parade
Training to march was always done to music pumped out over tannoy speakers. We had a real marching band for the big day!
Photo courtesy of Anita Coleman
Judo Warm up
Judo Warm up
Preparing to fight - or dance looking at this image!
Photo courtesy of Anita Coleman
Volley Ball
Volley Ball
Fitness was a large focus during police training.
Photo courtesy of Anita Coleman
Class Photos
Class Photos
Not the authors class, but each class had a photo taken outside the main entrance. Notice the large Hampshire helmet badge, which was much bigger than all the other forces. It was described by other students as, a crushed coke can!
Photo courtesy of Anita Coleman
Filming a fake TV programme
Filming a fake TV programme
The author in a yoga pose for filming a fake TV show as part of a practical exercise on the law.
Photo courtesy of Anita Coleman
Sgt Foster
Sgt Foster
The author 'pretending' to be a sergeant at the scene of a road traffic accident exercise.
Photo courtesy of Anita Coleman
The Tuck Shop
The Tuck Shop
This was the tuck shop on the training centre, where hungry students could buy some snacks.
Photo courtesy of Anita Coleman
The Tuck Shop Robbery
The Tuck Shop Robbery
This is the tuck shop being robbed during a robbery learning exercise.
Photo courtesy of Anita Coleman
Basic Single Room
Basic Single Room
This was a basic single bedroom when we returned to Ashford. There was just a bad, sink desk, chair and waredrobe. All very functional.
Photo courtesy of Anita Coleman
End of Module Show/Meal
End of Module Show/Meal
At the end of each module at Ashford, there was normally a Black Tie meal with a gang show put on by staff and students to blow off some steam.
Photo courtesy of Anita Coleman
Students Letting their Hair Down
Students Letting their Hair Down
This photo is a public domain image from Ashford in the early 1990s. It was not from any of my courses. I assume it was part of a gang show put on by some of the students!
Photo credit: public domain
End of Module Show/Meal
End of Module Show/Meal
At the end of each module at Ashford, there was normally a Black Tie meal with a gang show put on by staff and students to blow off some steam.
Photo courtesy of Anita Coleman
End of Module Show/Meal
End of Module Show/Meal
At the end of each module at Ashford, there was normally a Black Tie meal with a gang show put on by staff and students to blow off some steam.
Photo courtesy of Anita Coleman
Dirty Dancing
Dirty Dancing
The Black Tie meal with a gang show and dance put on by staff and students to blow off some steam.
Photo courtesy of Anita Coleman
Christmas Meal
Christmas Meal
The staff and students would also put on other events such as the Christmas meal.
Photo courtesy of Anita Coleman
Christmas Meal off site!
Christmas Meal off site!
A student Christmas meal off site. Ketchup and beer!
Photo courtesy of Anita Coleman
The Woman's Accommodation
The Woman's Accommodation
The ladies accommodation rooms. Students enjoying some down time.
Photo courtesy of Anita Coleman
The Woman's Accommodation Block
The Woman's Accommodation Block
The ladies accommodation rooms and hallway. Not that any male police officers were allowed in this area, so the rules said.
Photo courtesy of Anita Coleman
BBQ Time
BBQ Time
The students, including the author having a social BBQ. Check out that 80's fashion!
Photo courtesy of Anita Coleman
Marching Practice
Marching Practice
Marching practice, before we could be trusted to wear the uniform.
Photo courtesy of Anita Coleman
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