Becoming a father is a life-changing experience for anyone, but when you’re a front-line police officer, it presents a unique set of challenges. The shift from policing to nurturing a newborn can feel like entering a completely different world.
As someone who has walked that path, I want to share my journey of becoming a father while continuing to serve as a front-line officer.
The Joy of Fatherhood
The moment I found out I was going to be a father; I was filled with an overwhelming sense of excitement and joy. I had been on the front line for years, facing the unexpected every day, but nothing truly prepares you for the news that you’re going to be a dad. The anticipation, the planning, and all the "what ifs" come rushing in.
But alongside the happiness, there was a lingering question in the back of my mind: "How am I going to juggle this?"
The Reality of Balancing Roles
Policing is a demanding job. The long hours, shift patterns, and unpredictability are part and parcel of being on the front line. There are days when you feel like you’ve given everything to the job, only to come home and realise there’s another little person depending on you, and it’s no longer just about catching up on sleep or relaxing.
It’s tough. Policing isn’t a 9-to-5 role where you can easily compartmentalise your responsibilities. One minute you’re dealing with a critical incident or high-pressure situation, and the next you’re rushing home for a late-night feeding session or waking up at odd hours to tend to your newborn. The emotional gear shift from being an authority figure on duty to a caring father at home is something I struggled with initially.
Prioritising Family
One of the most important lessons I’ve learned is that communication is key—both at home and at work. I was fortunate enough to have an understanding team and supervisors who supported my transition into fatherhood. Speaking openly about my new responsibilities at home helped ensure that I had some flexibility, though policing doesn’t always offer the luxury of a fixed routine.
The Challenges of Time
One of the hardest aspects of this journey has been time—or the lack of it. As any parent will know, babies don’t adhere to schedules, and neither do incidents on the job. I often missed bath times, bedtimes, or important milestones because of late-night shifts or urgent call-outs. It’s easy to feel guilty, but I’ve learned to focus on the quality of the time I do have, rather than the quantity.
On the flip side, being on the front line means you see some of the harsh realities of life, and this has only strengthened my resolve to be the best dad I can be. The value of family, of being there for your loved ones, takes on new meaning when you’ve witnessed firsthand how fragile life can be.
Finding the Balance
The balance isn’t easy, and I don’t claim to have perfected it. There are still days when it feels like I’m being pulled in two directions. But what I’ve realised is that being a father and a front-line police officer aren’t mutually exclusive roles. In fact, they complement each other in ways I hadn’t expected.
Becoming a father has made me more empathetic, patient, and understanding. It’s given me a deeper sense of purpose, both in my personal life and my work. Policing has, in turn, made me resilient, and able to handle stress, which has been incredibly helpful during those sleepless nights and unpredictable baby routines!
A New Perspective
Fatherhood has brought a new perspective to my policing as well. Now, when I’m out on duty, I think about my children and the world I want them to grow up in. It’s not just about catching criminals or responding to incidents; it’s about making the world a little safer for our kids, for all families.
It’s a difficult balance to strike, but it’s also incredibly rewarding. Every day brings its challenges, but being both a dad and a front-line police officer is a privilege I don’t take for granted. There are sacrifices, but the moments I get to spend with my child make it all worth it. When I put on the uniform and head out the door, I know I’m not just doing it for the community—I’m doing it for my family too.
Final Thoughts
If you’re a parent working on the front line, or you’re expecting and wondering how it’s going to work, my advice is simple: take it day by day. Be honest about what you need, communicate with those around you, and don’t be afraid to lean on your support network. It won’t always be easy, but finding that balance between serving your community and being there for your family is possible—and worth every moment.
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