Why did you choose the police, and Hampshire Constabulary in particular, as a career?

Back at school I had an interest in a career that would have something to do with Crime, whether it be in probation, Policing, Forensic Science I wasn’t sure what but that was where my interest was. 

So I came to Southampton from Wiltshire and studied Criminology at Solent University. When I graduated I moved back to Wiltshire and travelled for a few months. I knew I wanted to apply for the Police but I had outgrown the town where I lived, I knew Southampton from my University days so I applied for Hampshire.

How have the skills and experience you already had prior to joining, helped you in the modern police service?

I think I have always been someone who can just talk to people, I think I come across as personable and because of that, people know I am genuinely listening to them.

I was 23 when I joined so I guess you could say I didn’t have much life experience but I had worked in part time jobs throughout my time in School, College and University.
These were mainly in customer service roles and I think these enhanced my natural abilities to communicate well with people.

Travelling on my own around South East Asia and Australia for several months was also an experience that taught me so much about understanding different cultures, languages, having to adapt to situations that were unfamiliar to me in foreign countries with people I didn’t know very well.

What training routes were on offer to applicants? Which did you follow, and why?

I don’t remember any particular training routes other than the standard training that was still being conducted at Ashford Police Training Centre

What range of skills have you developed while on the job?

I would say my communication skills as that is something I feel can always be developed and improved on, even now I am still striving to improve particularly now I am in a supervisory role.

Problem solving is a huge part of Policing I think the ability to find a solution to a situation isn’t something you can shy away from, over the years this has been something I have developed.
 
What are the possibilities for career and personal development and/or specialising in particular roles? What are the usual timescales involved?

I feel there are lots of opportunities, probably more so now than there has been in the past. I think this is because the organisation has invested in a lot more support to help people develop and this doesn’t always have to be about promotion.

There are development courses, a mentoring scheme, regular 121’s with line managers so future aspirations are discussed.

There are workshops to help with preparing for exams and promotion/specialist post boards.

Why do you think it’s important that Hampshire Constabulary has a diverse workforce that reflects the local community?

I think any organisation needs to have a more diverse workforce as this helps to encourage innovation, new ideas, and having more of an open-mind attitude.

In Policing it is important that we reflect the local communities as it helps us to understand different needs and concerns. We rely on the community to report crimes, comply with the law in order that we can maintain public safety and deliver effective Policing. Therefore having a more diverse work force helps to break down barriers and build trust enabling us to provide a better service to our communities.  
 
Is there any special support available for BAME candidates?

There is the positive action team who ensure that every candidate is on a level playing field, they offer support to anyone not just BAME who identifies with as being part of one of the protected characteristics under the Equality Act.

We have numerous staff support networks, one of them is called the Black, Ethnic and Minority network (BEAM) this is open for anyone to join. BEAM have SPOCS all around the force area who can offer friendly advice/support for those people from BME background. 
 
Have you faced any prejudices in the workplace at Hampshire Constabulary?

Yes, being a flexi worker I was told I couldn’t have acting opportunities, go to other departments unless I was willing to increase my hours. At that point, I didn’t feel I could or really wanted to with three young children. So I felt a bit stuck, no opportunity for career progression/development because I was working less hours. 

This was a few years ago now and thankfully the organisation is more inclusive and recognises that being a flexible worker shouldn’t halt your career.

 Is there much variety in what you do day to day?

Yes, there is, I think variety in the work was one of the things that appealed to me when looking to apply. You never really know what you could be deployed to on any given day, and even if you do find yourself attending something that is similar the people involved are different, the location is different, who you might be working with could be different.
 
What is it about your role that you enjoy and what motivates you most? And the downsides?

I currently supervise a team who support victims of Domestic Abuse, this is a very victim focussed role and I feel really lucky be part of a team that is able to dedicate the time needed to engage with victims. 

I am motivated by knowing that the team I work on do everything they can to safeguard the victims and their families. It is frustrating that we can’t always see every victim, that doesn’t mean an officer hasn’t seen that victim it just means that my team cannot always see every single victim. Sometimes it can feel disheartening that we don’t have the capability to do that when Domestic Abuse is such a huge part of Police work and the victims tend to be vulnerable and certainly at risk.

How do you feel you’ve benefited from choosing a career within the police service?

I think the opportunities and the experiences I have had by just doing my day job I wouldn’t have gained from any other career. 

I don’t think there are many careers that have such a variety, that have the potential to push you out of your comfort zone on such a regular basis. I have had my eyes opened to all sorts of issues, helping people often at their lowest and forming bonds with colleagues who truly understand how hard this job can be.
 
What advice would you give anyone who is looking to join the police service?

Speak to someone in the Police about the realities of the work, you do have to work shifts, including nights. I think that you really need to know these kind of realities before applying. 

If you do not know anyone who is in the Police the positive action team and recruitment would be able to have these kind of conversations, or point you in the right direction.

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