Police chief forced to defend baby-faced recruits as trolls blast new cops for looking too young
A POLICE chief has been forced to defend baby-faced recruits after trolls blasted the new cops for looking too young.
Superintendent Helen Brear posted a picture on X, formerly Twitter, to welcome new student officers Alfie and Noah to West Yorkshire Police.
She captioned the post: “Welcome Alfie and Noah to Kirklees District. New student officers as part of our Police Uplift programme. Policing family.”
But their youthful appearance, standing either side of a young female officer, sparked a torrent of vile abuse.
One cruel social media user said the pair had been “1000 per cent bullied at school”.
Another questioned: “Has the pension got so bad that they have to start at 12?”
West Yorkshire Police state on their website that those applying to join the police “must have reached 18” to become a student officer.
Although training can last up to 22 weeks, they are allowed to carry Tasers during this period.
For some time there has also no longer been a minimum height restriction to become a police officer. On its site, West Yorkshire Police says: “It is your abilities that are important.”
Alfie and Noah, who joined the force as part of the police uplift programme, were defended by several serving cops who told them to “stay safe and keep believing”.
One former police officer wrote: “I joined at 19 and thought I looked young, but my God they look like school children.
“That being said I in no way doubt their ability to do the job and wish them well.”
Supt Brear also took to social media to defend the recruits herself.
The senior officer posted: “I have been incredibly disappointed by some of the responses.
“Both of my colleagues passed the recruitment process and displayed they had the skills/abilities.
“Both will make great cops and I as their leader will ensure they reach their potential.”
But even those wishing them well on the website said their photo showed that officers were getting “younger and younger”.
One nasty troll wrote: “The 10-year-old could have washed his hands before his pic with the boss.”
Another added: “Has puberty struck yet?”
A further user wrote: “Should I be letting the NSPCC know about this?”
A slightly kinder post read: “They literally look like school kids, but fair play and massive respect for putting their heads above the wall to take this career on.”
Another agreed, saying: “Blimey ma’am, they are looking younger and younger. Good luck all! Enjoy it and welcome to the policing family.”