New Bognor PC’s first arrest leads to developments in several outstanding cases

Trainee police officers involved in the new Bognor Regis Coaching Unit have completed the first stage of their training and are now out on independent patrol.

By Isabella Cipirska

Published 8th Jul 2020, 13:30 BST

One of the new officers, former security guard Rich Sprake, said his proudest moment so far had been his first arrest.

Responding to reports of a violent shoplifter who had assaulted a shop assistant, Rich and a fellow recruit also obtained evidence that led to further arrests for several burglaries and a more serious offence.

PC Sprake said: “It felt like a massive accomplishment as it led to developments in several outstanding cases.

“It’s been great working alongside an experienced officer, putting the training into practice.

“And as the first trainees in the new Bognor Coaching Unit, we got to experience wider policing as well, supporting the West Sussex Tactical Enforcement Unit in tackling serious crime.”

A Sussex Police spokesman congratulated the new officers for completing the first stage of training amid ‘the unprecedented challenges of the pandemic’.