From a young age, I felt drawn to a career in policing—driven by a sense of justice, service, and curiosity. At 15, I took my first step into this world by joining the Staffordshire Police Cadets, where my passion for public protection began to take shape.
When the College of Policing introduced the new requirement for all police recruits to complete an accredited degree, opinions swirled. Many criticised the change, raising concerns about practicality, necessity and accessibility. But for me, it felt like perfect timing—I’d always wanted to go to university, though I wasn’t certain about the path. The policing degree offered the structure I needed and aligned with my ambitions.
University was more than academics. I not only absorbed a wealth of knowledge but also had great experiences and met some of my closest friends there. It also provided me with some integral life experiences that I would not have gained elsewhere.
During my studies, I joined Derbyshire Constabulary as a Special Constable. Serving for nearly three years, I encountered a wide range of real-world policing situations, including my first arrest which was for a GBH and a robbery. The experience was eye-opening. Though many shifts were rewarding, I also began questioning whether frontline policing was truly the right fit for me.
Driven by a growing interest in public protection—particularly in addressing sexual offences and domestic abuse—I decided to pursue further education. I enrolled in an MSc in Criminal Investigation into Domestic Abuse, and it turned out to be one of the best decisions I had made. The course deepened my understanding and solidified my commitment to protecting vulnerable communities.
While finishing the MSc, I came across an opportunity with British Transport Police. At the time, I didn’t fully understand BTP’s remit and naively was unaware of the full extent of the work BTP did. I was pleasantly surprised to discover their strong focus on Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG), and their extensive specialist teams dedicated to safeguarding Britain’s railway network.
Curious yet uncertain, I decided to give frontline policing another chance.
Now, one year into my role with a busy response team at BTP, I can confidently say—I absolutely love my job. I’ve faced difficult incidents and made mistakes along the way, but each moment has shaped me. Honestly, sometimes the operational demand and balancing paperwork can be working difficult. However, the fast-paced environment, the variety of challenges, and the opportunity to make a meaningful difference bring fulfilment like no other.
Policing is unlike any other profession. It tests you. It teaches you. And most of all, it gives you the chance to stand for something bigger than yourself. I cannot imagine myself in any other job role.
Looking ahead, I’m excited to keep growing within the force, continuing to learn, and contributing to the mission of public safety with integrity and compassion.
