Description:The passing out parade for course no. 181 who were resident at No. 4 District Police Training Centre, Mill Meece, from July to October 1954. They are being inspected by a visiting Chief Constable. On the left is the Commandant of the training centre, Ch. Supt. East of the Metropolitan Police.
The site was formerly the 'H.M.S. Fledgling' W.R.N.S. Training Centre. After it was vacated in 1948 the police took it over from 1949 until 1960. The centre trained newly appointed police constables from Northamptonshire, Shropshire, Staffordshire, Warwickshire and Worcestershire and the city and borough forces within those counties. Women polices constables from all over England, except the London metropolitan police, were also trained there. The courses lasted for 13 weeks and covered criminal and traffic law, powers of arrest and general police duties.
Mr Trevor Dunkley has kindly shared his recollection of the site: "I was at Mill Meece when it closed down. In the middle of our initial course we were moved to Ryton on Dunsmore!"