Joey - a new recruit and a member of BEAM (Black, Ethnic And Minority Support Group)

1)     Why did you choose the Police and Hampshire Constabulary in particular, as a career?
I wanted to join the Police some time ago, however I wanted to gain some life experience before I went into a full time professional career. I have family in the Police and they had told me how rewarding Policing is, not just the fast cars and chasing down the bad guy’s but also helping people and getting outcomes for those that are victims of crime. I was born in Hampshire and this is where my roots are. I wanted to join Hampshire because, it’s close to home and due to having children I did not want to travel to far to and from my place of work but also, Hampshire is one of the largest police area’s in England and Wales, it’s very diverse and its support network is one of the best.
 
2)     How have the skills and experience you already had prior to joining, helped you in the modern police service?
Prior to joining Hampshire Constabulary, I worked for the University of Southampton; here I gained skills in dealing with people from different and diverse backgrounds and effectively helping me gain confidence in communicating with students, members of the public and outside stakeholders. Being a part of the University and dealing with a vast range of duties I also developed skills in being organised and to be able to work effectively, efficiently and also to be able to make decisions on the stop due to working alone most of the time.
 
3)     What training routes were on offer to applicants? Which did you follow, and why?
The route I entered via was the 15-week training at Netley not the degree route that is available at present. As well as the PC route there was also the direct entry Detective Constable route, PCSO (Police Community Support Officer), or Special Constable route. I chose the PC route as this is what I wanted to become a full time frontline officer. The recruitment team were very helpful, they set up workshops and open days that give you an insight to the role and how to prepare for interviews and roles plays. I also received a lot of guidance from officers within the force who were very helpful and guided me down the right path to help pass my initial assessment and application process.
 
4)     What range of skills have you developed while on the job?
The skills you gain are endless, every day you are learning something new, from effective communication, to being organised and making on the stop decisions using the NDM. I have also gained skills in first aid and assisted in CPR saving a life whilst on duty.
 
5)     What are the possibilities for career and personal development and/or specialising in particular roles? What are the usual timescales involved?
After your probation period you are able to pursue a career path in anything from armed response to dog handler to high harm team. The opportunities within the force are immense. If there is a particular route you wish to take, the force helps and assists you to develop your skills via attachments to prepare you for the role you wish to choose.
 
6)     Why do you think it’s important that Hampshire Constabulary has a diverse workforce that reflects the local community? 
Hampshire is full of people from different background and different walks of life. Diversity within the force is essential to represent these ethic groups. Diversity builds trust in communities and helps break down barriers between police and public.
 
7)     Is there any special support available for candidates from Black, Ethnic minority and other diverse backgrounds?
There is a lot of support out there, I am a member of BEAM (Black, Ethnic And Minority Support Group) within the force and I strive to help those of different ethnic minorities such as myself to succeed in the application process. BAME provide support to those who wish to attend via workshops and application assistance and also to progress once you are member of the Policing family.
 
8)     Have you faced any prejudices in the workplace at Hampshire Constabulary?
I can say hand on heart I have never faced any prejudices within the work place of from the communities in which I work. I know officers that have and these are issues that are taken very seriously within the force and I would urge anyone that has faced prejudice to come forward and not to let it break you down.
 
9)     Is there much variety in what you do day to day?
Each day is different, one day I may be dealing with a theft from a shop and the next day I am saving a life by commencing CPR. The job is vast in the fact that we deal with a lot of incidents and this is why the job is so exciting and challenging at the same time.
 
10) What is it about your role that you enjoy and what motivates you most? And the downsides?
Me personally, I love the people I work with and the support that I receive from my colleagues and those in higher ranks is the best I have ever had in any job role. I get great satisfaction when we are able to get outcomes for victims of crime and being a part of them rebuilding their lives. I also like communicating with the public and breaking down those essential barriers and building confidence between the police and the public. In regards to downside, I don’t really have any at present, I am still learning and enjoying every aspect of my work at the present time. 
 
11) How do you feel you have benefitted from choosing a career within the police service?
I feel I have grown in the job; I have become more confident and been able to use my skills and language to help victims of crime. Policing is a great career with so many opportunities it is a stable, respectful role that I love.
 
12) What advice would you give anyone who is looking to join the police service?
If I were to give advice, I would firstly say look into the role and force thoroughly, understand the role and what is expected and also think about what you can bring to the role if successful. I would also say talk with recruitment and Positive Action Team (If applicable), as they are very helpful in guiding new applicants in the right direction and speak to officers on the frontline, as they will also give you good advice in applying for the role.

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