What do a former gym assistant, a lifeguard, cinema worker and bartender have in common?

They have all swapped careers and joined Hertfordshire's police force.

The quartet, along with seven other new officers, were formally welcomed to Hertfordshire Constabulary on Thursday.

The Herts force's latest cohort of 11 also consists of an ex-civil servant, a former horticulture manager, a PE teacher, a bookings coordinator, receptionist, a self-employed delivery associate, and a supermarket assistant.

Family and friends of the new recruits attended police headquarters in Welwyn Garden City where certificates were presented by Chief Constable Charlie Hall to the officers, marking the completion of their initial training.

Chief Constable Charlie Hall said: “I’m delighted to welcome you all to the constabulary. Although your initial training has come to an end, going out to each of your areas is where the real training begins.

The one thing all victims of crime have in common is that they wish it had never happened to them. I know you will treat everyone with kindness and respect whilst providing the best possible service to our communities."

The officers will be deployed across different areas of Hertfordshire in a range of teams including Intervention, where they will respond to emergency situations, and Neighbourhood Policing Teams where they will forge strong relationships with the community.

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“Policing is a fabulous career as there are so many opportunities that await you," said Herts' chief constable.

"Whether you decide to stay in response or neighbourhood policing, or consider other options such as surveillance, dog handling, road policing, firearms or detective work to name just a few — there is so much scope out there that I’m sure you’ll all find something that you thoroughly enjoy. I wish you all the best of luck as you embark on your new careers.”

David Lloyd, the Police and Crime Commissioner for Hertfordshire, added: “I would like to welcome these new officers to Hertfordshire Constabulary as they embark on an exciting and rewarding career.

The public have repeatedly told me they want to see more officers on our streets. Along with the government’s uplift programme I have increased local investment in the constabulary so it has reached a record number of officers.

"These new officers can look forward to making a real difference to the lives and safety of those who live and work in Hertfordshire.”

Hertfordshire Constabulary are now inviting applications for police officers via two entry routes, the Police Constable Entry Programme and the Police Constable Degree Apprenticeship.