STUDENTS doing a degree course in policing are also out and about on the beat.

Two students doing the two-year policing studies degree course at the University of Huddersfield are among several getting a taste of life on the policing front life.

PC Haley Evans is covering Thornhill and PC Rebecca Norton is getting experience in the Hanging Heaton and Shawcross areas of Dewsbury.

They are among several student officers who have been working in the Dewsbury area with local communities, developing their contacts and relations.

It is all part of their Initial Police Learning and Development Programme which results in a Foundation Degree in Police Studies at the end of their two years training.

Acting Sgt Claire Archer from the Dewsbury Neighbourhood Policing Team said they are already making a positive impact on the area:

"Most of the student officers are midway through their training and have been working across the various areas in Dewsbury,’’ she said. “This has provided them with a chance to put the skills they have learned into practice while providing a visible presence on the streets.

“We aim to give student officers the best foundation possible for their future police career as well as providing an extra resource for the division.” .’’