“There is a real can-do attitude in the police. The buck often stops with us on a massive range of acute problems, and the people I work with (as well as the wider organisation and policing generally) always step up to that. Everyone in policing is a leader, in that sense.
Although I hope some of the things I’ve been part of around issues like drug supply and vulnerability have had an impact, the thing that means the most to me is probably the individual people that I’ve been able to help in a small way.
It is undeniably a job that requires resilience. You are managing a large and varied workload while also dealing with some potentially traumatic incidents. That all helps you become more resilient as well though.
Both Police Now and my force have been very supportive throughout the programme. Whenever I had a problem, I always felt that there was someone I could go to. Being on the National Graduate Leadership Programme means you can get support from your Leadership Development Officer, and because they are slightly detached from your day-to-day work, they often have a different perspective on things.
One of my main highlights is working with brave, dedicated and professional police officers, who consistently amaze me with their skilfulness.”