One thing's for sure, as a Hertfordshire police officer you'll have the opportunity to enjoy a truly fulfilling career and work your way up the ranks.
I think I always had a subconscious interest in becoming a Police Officer. Throughout my life I had always tried to help people and was conscious of my surroundings.
Michael - PC Intervention (emergency response)
I love that every day is different. Some days, you are truly thanked for the work that you do and it's nice knowing that you have made a positive impact on someone's life.
Zoey - PC, Operational Support Group
I joined in 2007 because I wanted to help those who can't help themselves, but on top of that, I joined because I wanted to help change my community's views about the role.
Kash - Chief Inspector
Because every day is different whatever the role and also the opportunities open to you are so varied.
Sarah - Chief Inspector
Being a police officer is both rewarding and challenging - you'll sometimes need to operate outside of your comfort zone and handle difficult or complex situations, supporting victims and witnesses and providing reassurance in the community.
You need to be able to think on your feet and work well with colleagues as part of an effective team.
You also need great people skills, remaining calm and patient with members of the public, particularly in stressful or volatile situations.
As a police officer you will make a real difference in your community, reducing crimes and making people safer. It's truly rewarding but being a police officer isn't for everyone - it's one of the most challenging careers you can choose, being physically, mentally and emotionally demanding.
You'll receive training and support throughout your career to help you manage the demands of policing, but it's important to be sure that becoming a police officer is right for you.
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I joined in 2007 because I wanted to help those who can’t help themselves, but on top of that, I joined because I wanted to help change my community’s views about the role.
My heritage is from Kashmir in Pakistan and it can be difficult for minority communities to feel able to ask for help from outside their community. By joining the police, I wanted to help break down those barriers and be the visible representation for my community.
My dad was a police dog handler and I wanted to be a police officer from as far back as I can remember.
It goes without saying that I do the job to make a difference and help the most vulnerable in life, but I have to be honest and say it was watching my dad go flying off to jobs in the dog van and listening to his stories that made me want to do the job. I never had intentions of doing anything else and worked hard to ensure I got the grades at school and applied as soon as I could.
Initially, I joined Hertfordshire Constabulary as a civilian investigator in the Crime Desk at the old Hatfield Police Station in 2005. A Detective Sergeant I worked with suggested I join as an officer with a view to completing the Trainee Investigator (T/DC) Programme.
I was 38 and my initial thought was that I was too old and not fit enough, but after discussing it with a personal trainer at my local gym, he wrote me a training plan and arranged a practice ‘bleep test’.
I initially joined Hertfordshire Constabulary as a Police Community Support Officer (PCSO), based in Broxbourne. I did this for nearly three years before applying and joining as a regular Police Officer.
It was working as a Loss Prevention Officer that initially gave me the steer towards a policing career though. When handing over detainees or paperwork to the police, they would often chat to me about their day. Every time, it was a different story - a traffic incident, a lost child, chaos at the pub, a domestic in the street.
I think I always had a subconscious interest in becoming a Police Officer. Throughout my life I had always tried to help people and was conscious of my surroundings.
I could see beyond situations that other people wouldn’t notice, and could take control of dealing with conflict situations that others might run away from. I felt that being a Police Officer would give me the opportunity to use these attributes and stretch myself in a challenging and fulfilling career.
If you've got a question, have a look at the Frequently Asked Questions or email the team at:
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