If you had asked me five years ago, while I was working for British Airways and traveling across the globe, I would have confidently said, “Yes, I have a dream job—and I love it!”
As part of the cabin crew, delivering a first-class customer experience while ensuring everyone's safety was my top priority. We were trained to handle medical emergencies, from using a defibrillator and performing CPR to delivering a baby. The training also covered dealing with in-flight emergencies, such as putting out fires (since there are no firefighters at 39,000 feet), handcuff and restraint training, bomb threats, and even evacuating an aircraft on water. Teamwork was absolutely vital.
I was fortunate to work as a cabin crew training instructor at the training academy, where I taught new recruits the safety and emergency procedures. I aimed to instil confidence in them for evacuating passengers and completing the most demanding training. Sharing my passion and knowledge with new entrants was incredibly rewarding. However, after 19 years in the travel industry and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, I felt ready for a new challenge. I had achieved everything I hoped for at British Airways and made lifelong friends, but leaving the travel industry was a daunting prospect.
After hanging up my wings, I knew I wanted a job that offered adrenaline and excitement, one where I could see my friends and family after a shift and sleep in my own bed every night. Policing seemed like the perfect fit, offering numerous opportunities.
Policing had always interested me, and I knew from a young age that I wanted to be a police officer. My fascination began with watching "The Bill," a police drama that shaped my perception of British policing. I dreamed of working at Sun Hill Police Station with Sergeant June Ackland and Reg Hollis. However, the right time to join the police came later in life, in my late 30s.
When I applied for police officer roles, the culture and values of the force were crucial to me. Living away from my hometown with my partner and considering adoption, I had a lot to think about. I wanted to join a force that genuinely cared about its people.
I discovered BTP, a force dedicated to protecting people traveling on Britain's railway network. Their mission resonated with me, and I quickly submitted my application. Despite my nerves about the recruitment process, the communication was excellent. I submitted my application in April and received a formal offer to start in August. My desire to protect people and make a difference in their lives was finally becoming a reality.
Walking into Force Headquarters for my first day of classroom-based training was exhilarating. The training was intense but rewarding, with knowledge checks and role-play scenarios. I put a lot of pressure on myself, especially since most of my intake were younger than me. However, my previous experience in a disciplined, uniformed service helped me adapt quickly. Resilience is essential in this job, and I appreciated that this was never sugar-coated.
Graduating from the initial training was highly rewarding, but it was just the beginning. I learned more in my first few weeks on the beat than I did in the classroom.
Life as a response officer in BTP is full of highs and lows. I've been involved in large-scale operations, critical incidents, and fatalities. While the job can be challenging, protecting vulnerable people and arresting offenders is incredibly fulfilling.
After nearly two years, policing has had both positive and negative impacts on my life. I sometimes miss special family occasions and have to change plans last minute, but my family and friends understand and support me. Staying fit helps me unwind and meet the physical demands of the job.
The biggest change for me was the need to remain professional both on and off duty. The public's perception of police officers is crucial, and this was a significant adjustment from my previous role. However, the core values and standards are similar, and the emphasis on mental health support in policing is commendable. The team support is exceptional, and everyone looks out for each other.
I've always been ambitious and driven to achieve my goals. The police force offers numerous opportunities, and I will continue to aim high. If you're considering joining the police, regardless of your age, go for it. Your life experience and transferable skills are invaluable. Policing is a fantastic job where no two days are the same, and getting older only means gaining more life experience.
There truly is no job like policing, and I now have the best job in the world.
