Public Services students from Stratford-upon-Avon College have been visited by a Police Officer to learn about routes into a policing career.
The students were given a talk by PC Darren Lund, Youth Engagement Officer for South Warwickshire, who aimed to let students know what the police do, how they can become a part of the service, and to talk about current issues the police are tackling.
The session began with why some people become police officers, with examples such as: it’s life changing, exciting, challenging, rewarding, and it is a career to be proud of. PC Lund then spoke about what the Police do as part of their role – which covers a range of activities including protecting communities from harm, supporting victims and witnesses and more.
PC Lund commented: “Police are about protecting from harm, so the key message is Prevent. We want to try and stop people from committing the crime and to avoid risk.”
The students then learnt about the Police Constable Degree Apprenticeship (PCDA) – a three-year programme that gives police training and academic study with a professional policing degree at the end of it. PC Lund assured the students that there will always be a need for Police, so though it is a competitive application process, to keep going and try again if you are unsuccessful at first.
The second half of the session focused on County Lines, a criminal activity which involves drug dealers in major cities establishing networks for the supply and sale of drugs in towns and rural areas using other people (typically young or otherwise vulnerable) to carry, store and sell.
The students found the entire session beneficial. Student Edward Horsman, 19 and Edward Parry, 19 both have interest in pursuing a career in the Police, especially in the dog handling or firearms departments. Edward Horsman commented: “It was great hearing about the first-hand experience and judgements of PC Lund”, with Edward Parry adding: “It was really interesting learning about the qualifications available and the range of roles on offer.”
Mandy Crust, College Lecturer and ex Police Officer, thinks this type of experience is incredibly useful for the students: “It’s absolutely amazing! The students see the gear, they get up to date information and learn about real Police experiences first-hand. It also can be a complicated process joining so that extra information is helpful. It was a brilliant presentation and the students loved it.”
