PC Phipps is ready to make his mark on local policing

After leaving the Military in 2019 following 24 years’ Service, Steve tried a new business venture but he wasn’t sure what the future would hold; until he learnt West Mercia Police (which covers Herefordshire, Shropshire and Worcestershire) had opened recruitment for police constables…

Now the 46-year-old is a police officer and has found “a stable career once again”.

Steve said: “When I left the Coldstream Guards, I formed a training company with my cousin, working in the powered access industry. Although I was content in my mind, as I had an income, I didn’t feel settled in my heart, and it took me a while to realise this.

Once I had, I then started to consider other options and had a good think about what it is I’m good at and where my strengths lie. I realised that I spent a good chunk of my Army career keeping good people safe from bad people – and realised that joining the police would allow me to do that again.

I chose West Mercia Police as I felt the force has the balance right in terms of visibility to the public, and I like the force’s vision and priorities.”

Steve is based in Telford, where he protects people from harm and gives back to the community, just as he did in the Military.

Steve added: “I joined West Mercia Police on the Police Constable Degree Apprenticeship (PCDA) scheme and have been in the force since April 2022. I really enjoy the variety, as every day is different. I feel I have a stable career once again, but the most rewarding part has to be seeing a massive smile on a parent’s face when we return a missing child safe and well.

To anyone thinking of joining West Mercia Police, I say give it a shot; you’ve got nothing to lose and so much to gain. The shifts take a bit of getting used to, but the system works, and it means you can manage your family time.

I’ve found that everyone in the force has very similar motivations for joining and it’s one big team in every respect, from front-line officers, right through to the support staff in the background. Everyone has a part to play, and I would recommend joining the police to anyone, but especially to Armed Forces leavers.”

We are recruiting…
Are you a great problem-solver? Eager to help keep your community safe while developing a range of skills? Then policing with West Mercia Police could be for you. 

We are recruiting new police officers and digital specialists. Search West Mercia Police jobs to view all our vacancies.  

Visit: www.westmercia.police.uk