Like Father, Like Son: Policing Together 

Father’s Day is a time to celebrate the men who’ve guided us, supported us, and in some rare cases, patrolled the same streets with us too. 

For Iestyn and Morgan, a father and son serving together at Thames Valley Police, this bond goes beyond family; it’s a shared commitment that strengthens both their relationship and their work. 

Iestyn, an experienced officer in the Joint Operations Unit’s Public Order Department, and his son, Morgan, a neighbourhood officer who recently followed in his dad’s footsteps. We joined Morgan for a quick visit to his dad at work, catching up with them both to hear about their shared journey, the challenges they face together, and what this Father’s Day means to a family in uniform. 

Iestyn, what was it like watching your son join the police? 

I felt incredibly proud. He knew what the job involves – the long shifts, missing birthdays, and family moments – because he’d seen it all growing up. Despite that, he still chose to join. He knew the challenges but wanted to follow in my footsteps and serve the community. That made me proud beyond words.

Morgan, what inspired you to join, and how did your dad influence that? 

My dad’s been in the job for years, and he’s always been someone I looked up to. Seeing how he carried himself and the respect he earned made me want to follow in his footsteps. I knew it wouldn’t be easy, but I wanted to do what he does.

Do you feel like you have a special bond at work? 

Morgan: Definitely. I often go to Dad to talk through jobs – what went well, what didn’t, what I could’ve done differently. His experience is something I lean on, especially after tough shifts.

Iestyn: I know what the job takes out of you, so I can spot when something’s weighing on him. Morgan knows I’m not going to judge him. I’m just there to offer advice, not criticism. It’s a bond not many people get to have in this job.

Do you give each other work advice? Who listens more? 

Morgan: I’m always picking his brain. I’ll run things past him – decisions I made, how I handled a situation, things I could’ve done better. He’s seen so much in his career, and that knowledge is invaluable.

Iestyn: To be fair, it’s not one-way. He’s got his own way of doing things and sometimes teaches me new ways of looking at things too. I’ve learnt from him too – the younger generation brings fresh perspectives. We balance each other out.

Can you share a funny moment from working together? 

Morgan: On one of my very first shifts, we were sent to a job together, and I kept slipping up and calling him ‘Dad’. I didn’t even realise I was doing it! Took a while to get used to calling him by his first name at work, but we laughed about it.

Iestyn: There was another time we were at a job, and I was speaking to the victim while he was dealing with the suspect. The victim leaned over and quietly asked, ‘He’s your son, isn’t he?’ I just nodded and smiled. It gave us both a laugh later!

What does it mean to have family support in a policing career? 

Morgan: It means everything. Having my dad around to talk to, especially after the more challenging jobs, makes a huge difference. I don’t always want to bring that stress home. Being able to speak to someone who’s been through it helps protect my own wellbeing. 

Also, it fills me with pride when colleagues recognise my surname and immediately ask, ‘Are you Iestyn’s son?’ It’s like carrying a legacy. I want to do it justice.

Iestyn: Having a family member in the job is incredibly special. It gives us both a space to talk openly about the tough side of the role. Instead of bottling things up, which so many officers do, we help each other through. It’s good for our wellbeing.

How are you planning to spend Father’s Day this year? 

Morgan: I’ll be on shift, so no plans on the day itself. With the nature of the job, we’re used to celebrating things like this a few days later when we’re both off.

Iestyn: It doesn’t bother me. We know we’ll be out there helping to keep our communities safe so other dads can enjoy the day with their families. That’s part of the job, and we’re proud to do it.

—  

One Family, One Force 

Working in the same force has given Iestyn and Morgan a unique understanding of each other, and a shared sense of pride. Whether it’s swapping stories, offering advice, or simply knowing someone’s got your back, their bond makes a tough job a little easier. 

This Father’s Day, we’re reminded that policing is about more than uniforms- it’s about making a difference every day. If their story inspires you, why not consider joining the police too? It could be the start of your own family legacy.

To find out more about a policing career with TVP – including the realities of working on response, initial training, and to apply to become a Police Officer, please visit our Police Officer page