PC Henry: Why I Chose to Serve

From rushing to emergencies to building trust in the community, policing is more than a career – it’s a commitment to protecting others, standing up in difficult moments, and making a real difference in people’s lives. For PC Henry, joining the police was about more than just wearing the uniform – it was about creating positive change every single day. In this blog, Henry shares his journey into policing, the challenges and rewards of the job, and the moments that have shaped his career so far.

What inspired you to join the police?

What inspired me to become a police officer was a strong desire to help people. I always felt a sense of self-reward and satisfaction when I helped people in my day-to-day life, pre policing. Becoming an officer, I knew I could provide this help to the wider public and have a career where I can change people’s lives positively and see the resulting impact I made.

Additionally, I knew the job was a “Jack of all trades”, where every day is different and not just in crime. One day, I’m looking into a complex criminal investigation, the next I’m rushing to a person in crisis. The thrill of not knowing what I am walking into at work and overcoming what challenges I face inspired me to become a police officer.

Can you tell us a bit about your journey into policing and your current role?

Looking back on my journey, I can see I went through a bit of a systematic route into policing. I first obtained education by attending both College and University, finishing both with degrees. I then applied for and became a Police Special Constable for Thames Valley Police, and continued to do this for 5 years in order to obtain “boots on the ground” experience.

I then joined full-time as a Police Constable in January 2020, and from there, I have worked in both Wycombe and Amersham police stations, working under the response team. I continued to work within this department, obtaining additional qualifications such as becoming a part-time Police and Public Safety Trainer and a Police Public Order Medic.

Only recently, I changed departments and joined the Neighbourhood policing team as a Neighbourhood officer. This role handles a wide range of tasks, from responding to crime and managing long-term community issues to engaging with schools and vulnerable groups. The role also involves working closely with partner agencies, conducting warrants, patrolling high-demand areas, and tackling issues like rural and retail crime, traffic offences, and knife crime.

What does a typical day in your role look like?

As mentioned before, every day is different. I could be coming in to make myself the morning coffee, and then have to abandon it and rush out to a blue light job where someone needs help. Alternatively, there could be days when I spend a few hours updating my victims, updating my admin, and then completing a patrol in a known high-crime area. I could also be abstracted from my shift to go on an operation to deal with ongoing events or potential disorder, or go to our training locations and teach officers their officer safety skills.

PC Henry received the 2025 Thames Valley Police Federation Bravery Award for his courageous actions off duty. In January 2023, while driving home after a 12-hour shift, he noticed a man dangerously walking on a motorway bridge in freezing, dark conditions. When the man jumped onto the live motorway, PC Henry quickly responded by dragging the seriously injured man to safety despite the risk from fast-moving traffic. His quick thinking and bravery undoubtedly saved the man’s life. 

We asked Henry what receiving the Federation Award meant to him: 

I am honoured to have received the police Federation Bravery Award. There are so many things that police officers and staff do that the public never see in which they don’t always get recognised for. However, I’m very appreciative that time has been placed for me to be recognised for my actions.

What’s been the most challenging part of your role, and how have you overcome it?

I think the most challenging thing in my role is the constant criticism and negative articles we receive from the public and the media. I know that these stories should be shared, but it appears to be very rare to show the good stories we have. I think every officer will agree that we have so many amazing stories, so many good achievements, and so many good results, but they are just not “viewer” worthy, and some are never known to the public. I find whenever I come across a person who either doesn’t like the police or has a bad story regarding them, I always try to spend additional time informing and proving them of the good. Changing one person’s mind on policing or police officers is a step in the right direction.

What advice would you give to someone thinking of a career in policing?

Policing can be tough, but it’s also a really rewarding career. You need to be level-headed, willing to learn, and genuinely want to help people. It’s about making a difference, even in small ways, and being someone your community can rely on.

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PC Henry’s story is a reminder that policing is about people, protecting them, supporting them, and standing alongside them in both the hardest and most rewarding moments. It’s a role that takes dedication and courage, but also offers the chance to make a lasting difference. For Henry and so many in Thames Valley Police, that’s what makes the job worth every challenge.

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