Policing in the digital age
After 24 years of Military service, Simon Bennett wanted to challenge himself back on civvy street.
After leaving the Military in 2008, Simon was contracted to the Foreign & Commonwealth Office and tasked with managing their worldwide systems upgrade. Following a move to Canada in 2010 and a stint at the Calgary Police Service, he decided to move back to the UK when he learnt West Mercia Police were hiring.
The current head of digital services missed time with his family and wanted to challenge himself. Simon said: “I joined West Mercia Police because instead of making money for shareholders, I am working for the good of every individual the Force serves to protect. I also missed the sense of purpose that the Military gives you and supporting the officers in making the community safer is something I am proud to be a part of.”
Technology
As the head of digital services for West Mercia Police, Simon leads the ICT functions for the Force, and ensures that front line police officers have the technology and resources to do their jobs correctly. “We have a full-time team of around 100 staff responsible for provision of the current technology, plus a large programme running and modernising our entire infrastructure so we can future-proof our policing.
To anyone thinking of joining West Mercia Police in a digital service role, I would say go for it. My advice would be not to underestimate the non-technical skills you have learned throughout your time in the Military: leadership, project management or understanding people’s perspectives quickly. These skills will take you far at West Mercia Police.” Simon added: “Be specific about which role(s) you are after and get qualified in that speciality. If you are selling generalist leadership skills, then get accredited in that field and demonstrate the experience you have in civilian terms.
It is an exciting time to be joining West Mercia Police in the Digital Services department, as we are heavily investing in our people and our future to ensure we can continue to deliver high quality policing in a digital age. I have found throughout my time here that everyone is working to the same goal, whether that be my team in digital services or any of the hundreds of front-line officers we have out on patrol. I would recommend joining the police force to any Service-leaver, as the skills and knowledge you have gained during your time in the Armed Forces can easily be transferred to a role with West Mercia Police.”
We are recruiting digital specialists…
Are you an IT professional who would like to use your technical skills to enable the future of policing? A digital service role at West Mercia Police might be for you.
We are investing in our future and recruiting digital specialists. Search digital service jobs at West Mercia Police to view our current vacancies. Visit: www.westmercia.police.uk
