Policing, an unexpected career: Meet Police Sergeant Michael

Joining the police service was an unexpected yet fulfilling career path for Michael. Initially, he had no intention of becoming a police officer, but over the past 13 years, his journey has evolved into a passionate and rewarding career. Here, he shared his background, experiences, and insights into life in the police service. 

• Current Role: Police Sergeant – Incident and Crime Response (ICR) 
• Length of Service: 13 years 

Tell us a bit about your background

I have been married for nearly 10 years and have two beautiful children. I have been fortunate enough to go to college and university, securing a BA Honours degree. I have worked in multiple different industries before joining the police service. I worked in sales, retail, entertainment, and several different elements of construction. I never intended to join the police service; I was looking to work in another emergency service. I applied to be a Police Community Support Officer (PCSO) to help build up my experience. However, very quickly I realised I enjoyed this job a great deal and found myself looking forward to coming to work. That is what inspired me to become a Police Officer. I have been in the job for over 13 years now, and I can honestly say I still love and enjoy coming to work every day. 

What attracted you to policing? 

I liked the idea of a job where you can be out and about a lot of the time, and where every day is so different. I liked the idea of a job that can be action-packed and yet can also provide you the opportunity to genuinely help people in their hour of need. Another aspect I liked was the versatility of the job where you can change departments to help you keep interested. 

How has your career developed at TVP, and are you looking to progress in your career in the future? 

I began my career as a PCSO in Maidenhead Town Centre. I then joined as a frontline Police Officer for several years, before going onto a plain-clothed proactive team, then to neighbourhood policing, before being promoted to sergeant back on frontline policing in Slough. I am now looking to be a Custody Sergeant in Milton Keynes before looking to join a specialist role in Roads Policing or be promoted again to become an inspector. 

Do you feel supported in your workplace? 

In my career, I feel I have been well supported and looked after. I have had managers who have believed in me and encouraged me to enhance my training or apply for specialist roles. I feel my thoughts and opinions are listened to and considered by my supervisors, and I feel a valued member of the team and the police service. My experience in TVP has been amazing. 

What do you want people to know about what it’s like being an ICR officer? 

Being a sergeant has far surpassed my expectations. I thrive in helping, developing, and supporting officers in bettering themselves and their skills. I honestly feel in the 2 years I have been at Slough I have truly helped mould and develop some very knowledgeable and well-rounded officers. I feel appreciated by my team and now understand how one person can have such a positive impact on a team. I also feel I have helped build the team’s confidence, especially when it comes to safeguarding children, an area I am particularly passionate about. 

What is the best piece of advice you can give to the public about staying safe? 

Always be aware of your surroundings and who is around you and maybe watching you. Try not to be flashy with your items, showcasing expensive watches, etc., to everyone as you advertise your goods to people who may wish to take them. Most offenders are opportunistic; you should do everything you can to negate any opportunities they have to cause you or your property harm. 

Best moment of your career so far? 

I have had many best moments in my career going right back to when I was a PCSO. I have intervened in armed robberies, I have chased down wanted people, I have caught people burgling, I have been involved in anti-terrorism operations, I have policed the changing of the guard at Windsor Castle, I was part of the Olympics, I have saved someone’s life, and I have been awarded a Chief Constable’s commendation for my work. All are equally the best for their own unique reasons. 

I would have to say a day that stands out as my best day would have to be the Duke and Duchess of Sussex Meghan and Harry’s Royal Wedding. That was such an amazing day for me. I was crewed with another person, and we were on bicycle patrol during the wedding. The atmosphere, the weather, and the crowd were incredible; it was a perfect day. I remember the hundreds of thousands of people there being so pleasant, and I must have had 1,000 photographs taken that day. I remember cycling around speaking to all the lovely people while in the sunshine thinking to myself, I cannot believe I am being paid to be here. It was a once-in-a-lifetime day. One I will remember as a high point in my career. 

What would you say to someone considering policing as a career? 

I would say if you are considering it, then you should definitely do it; it has far surpassed all my expectations. Every new role or venture I go on is better than the last. If you are unsure, then you can be a Special Constable or a Police Community Support Officer to give you an idea of what it is like to be in a uniform and speak to the public. 

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If you’re considering a career where you can truly serve and protect your community, we encourage you to join us. Policing offers not only a diverse and dynamic work environment but also the chance to develop both personally and professionally. Take the leap and become a part of a team that values dedication, integrity, and the passion to help others. You won’t regret it.  

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. 

 Police Officer