Meet some of our police officers

Chief Inspector - Welwyn Hatfield

What did you do before you joined Hertfordshire Constabulary?

I worked in an office at the University of Bedfordshire and also did a myriad of other jobs. I worked at a cinema, as a builder, in a bowling alley, in offices and shops and these have all given me a raft of life experiences!

Why did you want to become a police officer?

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. Policing has come a long way since then and I'm glad to have been able to contribute to that.

Why did you choose Hertfordshire?

I didn't know the community or staff in Hertfordshire Constabulary before I joined as a Police Officer. Having attended a Hertfordshire Constabulary Insight evening, I found everyone to be welcoming and encouraging. I wanted to join a progressive and inclusive Constabulary and over the years the Constabulary's ever increasing drive for better representation has really shown me it was the right decision.

What did your family and friends say when you said you wanted to join the police?

Joining over a decade ago, the views from friends and family were initially of some concern as to whether I would be accepted as an Asian male in the police service and whether the role would conflict with our traditional values. It was particularly a concern for my parents who had high expectations of me and wanted me to be in a role where I could learn, progress and fulfil my potential. I have found that being a Police Officer is what you make it. You do the right thing and this comes from your values, regardless of your background or culture. Progressing up the ranks into leadership roles is something my family and friends are proud of, as am I, and they are always excited to hear about the amazing training and stories that come from such an unpredictable career.

How did you find the training? The best bit, the toughest part?

Training to be a Constable, a Sergeant and an Inspector isn't like any other training. The skills you learn are designed to test you as a leader at any rank. Policing was an alien environment to me and so the training sometimes tested me to my limits. Once I had completed the training though, I surprised myself at how much I could learn. Even now, I remember sitting there in my white shirt and clip-on tie, undertaking practice scenarios and receiving such encouragement from my fellow trainee officers. The fact that this encouragement from colleagues has continued throughout my career and we all support one another to push ourselves and succeed, is something that you wouldn't find elsewhere.

What have you done since you joined?

I have worked as a uniformed Constable which has seen me patrolling the streets of Hertfordshire on foot and responding to 999 emergencies on ‘blues and twos'. I have also worked in various specialist plain clothes units. My time in those units, which focused on proactive policing (such as executing warrants), were really fun and exciting. Looking back, memorable moments have included swimming through a river and catching a burglar who had run off after breaking into someone's house. Another memory that stands out is stacking up against a wall with my whole team at 4am in full tactical uniform waiting to go through a drug dealer's door and execute a warrant! Having got it all out of my system, I turned my attention to becoming a Sergeant. This was a role I thoroughly enjoyed and leading teams of Constables through incidents, investigations and operations was extremely rewarding. To push myself further, I went through the challenging but equally rewarding Inspectors' promotion process. Now I can focus on leadership and share my experience and knowledge with those Constables walking out of training school who are about to go on the journey I went through all those years ago.

What do you like about the job?

I love targeting career criminals who make a huge impact on the lives of the public. I enjoy bringing to justice those who feel they can evade the police. There are so many roles in the police and it really is true that no day is the same. As I have progressed into a leadership role, I now enjoy seeing those feelings of success reflected in the eyes of my teams who work very hard.

How do the public respond to you in your role as a police officer?

The public are, on the whole, supportive of the police but what you have to remember about this job is you see the public at their lowest, their weakest and their most vulnerable. At those moments, you are all they have to look to and the satisfaction of doing justice for those people is worth the long days and hard work it takes.

Why would you recommend policing as a career?

No other career compares to the training and the experiences you find yourself in. It is a hugely demanding, responsible and challenging career, but it's equally hugely rewarding, satisfying and meaningful.

PC, Operational Support Group - Countywide

What did you do before you joined Hertfordshire Constabulary?

I worked in a number of roles before joining the Constabulary. My family's line of work is hairdressing and so I dabbled with a hairdressing course and helping out at the salon. I had a strong interest in journalism and so I completed a degree in the subject and I did freelance work editing a fashion magazine. Although it was nice seeing my name in print, this wasn't necessarily an avenue I wanted to pursue. While I was studying, I worked in retail and I continued in this industry after my degree. I worked in various roles and prior to joining the police, I worked as a Loss Prevention Officer, dealing with shoplifters, fraud and staff dishonesty. This was a position that I worked my way up to, but after a few years in this role, I felt like I had gone and achieved everything I wanted to in the retail industry. I wanted a change and a challenge and so I decided to embark on a new career path.

Why did you want to become a police officer?

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. Meanwhile, I was in my CCTV room with no windows and a limited scope of workload and these snippets of police life inspired me.

As I am shy and had no other real insight into the police, I wanted to become a PCSO first. Each new role I have ever stepped foot into has been a personal challenge – a conflict between wanting to better myself and doing things that are way outside of my comfort zone. I remember how daunting it had been to talk over the tannoy, to phone in requests, to detain shoplifters... but in each role, I pushed myself to overcome the scary elements until I felt confident and comfortable in that role. It is at that point that I have always looked for the next big push and becoming a PCSO was my first big push into the police.

Just wearing the uniform, operating a radio and being out in the community was a challenge in itself. The role helped to show me what to expect as a regular police officer. With encouragement from my police officer colleagues, being a PCSO confirmed that I wanted to be a regular police officer too.

Why did you choose Hertfordshire?

I chose Hertfordshire for a few reasons. From a practical point of view, it was easily commutable from where I lived but most of all, I liked that it was a relatively small Constabulary which means that you are never just a number. I wanted to work somewhere where there weren't too many departments so that I could have more chance of being exposed to new areas and subsequently learn more and gain extra experiences. The more I learnt about the Constabulary and its ethics, the more it appealed to me. Once I became a PCSO within Hertfordshire, I couldn't think of working anywhere else.

When I initially thought about joining the police, I was aware I could transfer to a different constabulary if I wanted to, such as one closer to home. However, I quickly found my feet in Hertfordshire and in nine years of working here, that idea has never crossed my mind!

What did your family and friends say when you said you wanted to join the police?

With no close friends or family from a policing background and being quite shy, I think I surprised people with my career choice. Everyone expected me to pursue the career in journalism or stay within retail.

Although it was a shock to everyone, my friends and family alike were so supportive, if not envious of my courage to just go for it. My family were understandably worried about my safety, but overall, they were proud as punch and still are.

How did you find the training? The best bit, the toughest part?

The training required me to be on the ball, focused and ready to learn. It was very rewarding and week by week, I would learn new interesting things and build on my knowledge. Being shy, I worried about role playing and getting things wrong, but I grew in confidence as the course progressed.

At the time, being back in a classroom environment felt tough and draining, but the first relationships you build in the police are with those who you join with. These are people you will always remember for the length of your service. You are all in the same boat and all pull together - it's the first sense of that police family.

The toughest part overall is the thought of going out on the street after the training, especially as the public will not know that you are brand new! It was difficult not knowing what job you will be called to and what piece of information you will need to extract. However, the support continues from the classroom and things start to make more sense when you put it into practice with your coaches. Although massively daunting, it is the learning you do on the streets that is the most helpful and the most gratifying.

What have you done since you joined?

I worked on the frontline for five years and throughout that time, I put myself forward for courses and attachments to expand my skills and understanding. I became a response driver which means I can drive a police car on blue lights. I also trained to became a Taser carrier and an initial point of contact for sexual offences, and domestic abuse cases. I am also specifically public order/ riot trained and qualified to ‘bash down' doors for rapid entry!

I have also had my fair share of attachments to other departments in the police, including with the Road Policing Unit, the Armed Policing Unit, the Domestic Abuse Investigation and Safeguarding Unit, Crime Investigation departments and even the police helicopter. These have given me a snapshot of what their daily work looks like and also how they help in my role.

I am now on a tactical county resource team. We are a plain clothes unit that deal with high profile, high risk or violent arrests and warrants. We also investigate county drug lines and cannabis factories. We work alongside many other specialised units as a resource on the ground, including for the major crime, firearms and covert units.

As part of this recent role I am now trained in drug identification and drug testing.

Alongside my normal day job, I am also a mentor. I work alongside the recruitment department to assist people through the recruitment journey. This is a very rewarding role; being a point of contact for those people making that decision to work for Hertfordshire Constabulary and seeing them make it into uniform.

Recently as a mentor, I took a step out of my comfort zone again by accepting to speak in front of a large group of people! This was a roleplay interview in front of potential new recruits and it helped to give them an idea of how the application process works.

What do you like about the job?

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. It is usually a small task that you complete, that they will remember for the rest of their life.

On the flip side when you deal with the gruesome, horrible or bad things, I like that you face it as part of a team. These are situations that you would probably never see in any other line of work and you build relationships with your team to get through it and support one another.

You see the best and worst in people and I like that you just don't get that anywhere else. This job really opens your eyes.

How do the public respond to you in your role as a police officer?

In general, the public realise you are just doing a job. Many are thankful and most are respectful. There are times when drink, drugs, stress, or other factors will affect how people react to police, but overall the public respond in a manner to which you police. If you are fair and honest with them, they will thank you – even if you are giving them a traffic ticket or interviewing them for an offence.

Why would you recommend policing as a career?

Some days it feels like the hardest job in the world and I wouldn't wish it on anyone, but every job has days like that! And with the downs there are many ups. Even when you moan and have bad days, you still wouldn't see yourself doing any other job.

I would never get the rewards, adrenaline, challenges and variety in any other career. If I feel I want a change, I can apply to move to a different role or department and then complete different work – there are so many opportunities in the police! Ultimately, the police has moulded me into who I am today and I now see the world in a completely different light.

Like any career, policing isn't for everyone – but for those who like a challenge and want to do the best by others – this could totally be for you.

PC Intervention (emergency response), Dacorum

What did you do before you joined Hertfordshire Constabulary?

I worked in retail as a line manager at multiple Tesco stores. I also have a degree in Graphic Design and Advertising.

Why did you want to become a police officer?

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.

Why did you choose Hertfordshire?

I chose Hertfordshire after attending an Insight Day and being impressed by the information provided and how the constabulary worked. I'm from a neighbouring county and so I liked that Hertfordshire was close enough to home without being on my doorstop.

What did your family and friends say when you said you wanted to join the police?

I found that my family and friends were really enthusiastic and supportive. They all felt that I would be good as a police officer.

How did you find the training? The best bit, the toughest part?

The training was intense as there was a lot to learn in a short period of time, but it was also really fun! I especially enjoyed learning the new skills in our personal safety training.

The best bit of training is the officers that you train with. You have an instant network that stays with you throughout your career. For me, the toughest part was the law aspect as I come from a background that had no policing experience or knowledge. This was my toughest challenge to get to grips with – particularly, having to then find the confidence to act on what I had learned.

What have you done since you joined?

I work on a response team in Dacorum, answering 999 calls, and this is the same department and team I have been on since joining four years ago. This has allowed me to grow as an officer and develop my skills. I have been able to come into contact with a large variety of departments, which has included an attachment with the National Police Air Service and assisting with a training day for the dog unit. I have also shared my learning by coaching new students and assisting with potential new officers on informative pre-joining events.

What do you like about the job?

Every day and minute is different from the next and as someone with an active work ethic, I enjoy being kept on my toes. I like that you can never fully plan ahead or know what you are going to be doing! The career possibilities are endless and there are lots of different job roles you can take on or gain exposure to. The learning is never-ending. You never stop developing new skills – both everyday life skills such as communication, and operational skills like response driving, Taser or method of entry.

How do the public respond to you in your role as a police officer?

A lot of the time, the public respond to me in a positive way. There are a few individuals that don't respond so well but they are heavily outnumbered. It's a great feeling when you receive positive feedback from the public. It's rewarding and that's not something you always get in other jobs.

Why would you recommend policing as a career?

If you like a fast paced active job, with endless possibilities for career and personal development, then it's a brilliant job to have and the opportunities are endless!

PC, Dog Unit, countywide

Why did you want to join the police?

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.

What did you do before you joined?

After leaving school, I completed a two-year public services course at college and worked in retail roles until I was accepted as a Police Community Support Officer in 2006 aged 19 where I served in Hemel Hempstead town centre with the intentions of applying to become a regular police officer when the time was right.

When did you join as a police officer?

Two years later almost to the day, I started my training as a regular constable. It was while I was training that my dad retired after around 31 years as a Herts officer. He started as a beat officer covering South Oxhey before becoming a dog handler and spending around 20 years on the unit. The timing meant I was able to inherit his warrant number 599 when he left, which is very special. I spent 12 years in Hemel Hempstead as an intervention officer before moving to the dog unit in 2020.

What does your role entail?

Operationally I cover three counties, Herts, Beds and Cambs. My police dog, PD Bonnie, a Belgian Malinois, is trained to track human scent and ground disturbance, so I could find myself at all kinds of incidents attempting to trace an individual. We could be called to the scene of a burglary, as she can locate and indicate property and she is trained to detain criminals who run away. She can locate people hiding, for example a driver who has fled the scene of a road traffic collision, safely indicating to me where they are. A lot of time is spent training PD Bonnie. It’s important to maintain a good standard as police dogs must be licensed every year to ensure they’re safe to go out onto the streets. Also, we want to ensure they continuously progress and improve our chance of getting the results on the streets. In addition, I will assist with firearms operations, dangerous dog and public order incidents and just being another pair of hands to help other front-line officers if required.

What’s one of the most memorable incidents you have been involved in?

There are so many! Only recently, PD Bonnie and I arrived at the scene of a residential burglary and as I got out of my vehicle, I saw the offender in the upstairs bedroom. We went to the back garden and found him trying to escape through the top window. Very quickly, PD Bonnie and I were able to safely detain and arrest the man.

What makes you want to come to work each day?

One of the best parts of being a police officer is the people you work with. Teamwork is a vital part of being a successful police officer. I love coming into work not knowing what the day will bring. You could be helping a victim of a domestic incident or chasing burglars, helping an elderly fraud victim, or trying to locate a stolen vehicle, speaking with a victim of mental health, or attending a disturbance outside of a busy nightclub. I come to work to help those who need it most and that rely on us. I like to think that I go out my way to build trust in the police.

What do you like doing out of work?

Outside of work I am a keen Watford FC fan and I play a lot of football. I play and manage the Herts police football team along with playing both Saturday and Sunday football leagues. I also have to walk PD Bonnie and ensure she is exercised off-duty. I like to spend time with my family and friends and catch up on Tipping Point and The Chase.

Student PC, Watford

Why did you want to become a police officer?

I wanted to be part of a team that work together to protect the community. I also want to be a role model to members of the public especially those who are underrepresented. Working for Hertfordshire police is a great achievement for me, and I hope to progress within the constabulary for the coming years.

What did you do before joining?

I was an air traffic service assistant at Luton Airport.

Were you supported by the Positive Action team and if so what was the impact?

The Positive Action team was supportive throughout the recruitment process. They are there to guide and mentor you and PC Shazia Malik from the team was very helpful with great knowledge and experience.

What did you enjoy in training?

I enjoyed personal safety training and doing practical scenarios as they gave a real insight of what you will be faced with in real life situations.

What are you looking forward to next?

I am looking forward to gaining a lot of experience as a 999 response officer and then going into a specialist role.

What do your family and friends think of you becoming a police officer?

My family are very supportive of me joining the police. Before joining, some of my friends had a different opinion about the police but after speaking to them and sharing my experiences, they now have positive thoughts about the service and developed an interest. A couple of them are applying to join themselves!

Student PC, Watford

A boring office job didn’t appeal to Owen so he started training as a police officer with us instead!

Student police officer Owen, who grew up in Hertfordshire, loved the first few weeks training in Welwyn Garden City.

“I’m just enjoying the new experience and new knowledge,” he smiled.

“I joined the police because I couldn’t see myself sitting in an office, I also wanted a job that provided no two days the same.

“The police also provide good benefits, like a pension, and the degree option offers something which could be beneficial to my future.”

Owen was one of our lucky 13, the first cohort to be training under our Police Constable Degree Apprenticeship (PCDA). It combines on-the-job training with a degree from Anglia Ruskin University.