My life as a... Police Officer

What is your job title?

I work for the police as a Police Officer, Custody Sergeant.

What qualifications do you need to get where you are?

To work as a Police Officer you will be required to have the minimum of five GCSEs including English and maths. To gain a position with the police force you will be required to sit the OSPRE police exams. Once you have completed the OSPRE police exams you will receive two weeks training on a Custody Officers' course. You will then be sent on a First Aid course and an OST (Officer Safety Training) course. These are all compulsory in order to fulfil your role.

What qualifications do you have?

I have 9 O-Levels (equivalent to GCSEs today) and 3 A-Levels. I have built up various qualifications within the police force including Advanced Public Order (Riot) Training, Advanced Interview Skills, High Risk Prisoner Escort Course and driving skills etc.

What does your job involve?

As a Custody Sergeant, I am responsible primarily for the health and welfare of detainees who are arrested and taken to custody offices. I must ensure that legislation (e.g. The Police & Criminal Evidence Act 1984) is adhered to so that every person is treated fairly by the police. I also make decisions on whether to charge detainees with criminal offences and whether to allow them bail or remand them into police custody for court.

What do you most like about your job?

The best part of my job is having the opportunity to work with the group of people that have chosen to work in the police force. Once I have finished my shift, my work is done and I don’t have to worry about ongoing problems at work.

What is most rewarding about your job?

I enjoy working under pressure and I often have to make quick decisions with everyone’s safety in mind.

Is there anything about your job that you don’t like?

I am regularly in contact with challenging and difficult characters. My job requires a lot of patience and you need to be alert to what’s going on around you at all times.

Do you have a typical day?

Every day is similar, as virtually all prisoners need to be dealt with in the same way according to the law. I work different shifts: mornings, afternoons or nights. Each one of these shifts may vary in workload and involve different situations.

What qualities do you need to be a successful Police Officer?

You will need to be patient, decisive, confident, physically fit, aware of legislation and have plenty of negotiating skills.

What advice would you give to other people wanting a job like yours?

Try to gain some experience in the work place before considering joining the police force. I would advise you to become a Special Constable so that you can get a flavour of what the job entails. You could always also try speaking to a serving Police Officer for career advice.