Finding a new career in policing

Off By Ed Hanna

On 7 February, West Mercia Police attended the CTP Military Resettlement Event in Telford. This was an opportunity to speak with current Military personnel and Veterans, about careers outside of the Armed Forces and the police.

By and large, policing is seen as a perfect next step for many Armed Forces personnel looking to embark on a new challenge.

Work-life balance
For many, one of the main reasons they want to leave the Military is to gain more of a work-life balance. Flight Sergeant Mark Jones, who has spent 26 years in the Royal Air Force, is looking to find a new challenge away from the Military, one where he can spend more time with his family. When asked if he is considering joining the police, he stated: “Yes, joining the police is definitely an option for me. It seems like it can give me the work-life balance that I am looking for, while also allowing me to continue to serve.”

Police staff
Not everyone we spoke with was interested in becoming a police officer. While the skills you develop in the Armed Forces can make the transition to a police officer straightforward, for some people, a career as police staff is seen as a more favourable choice. Mark Larkin, who has spent the last three years as a Warrant Officer at RAF Brize Norton, is looking to join as a member of staff, as he believes it offers “a more relaxed work-life balance”.

Too old?
While many consider a career in the police as an exciting next step, not everyone believes they meet the requirements to join the police. David Jones, who has spent 36 years in the Army, was under the impression that he was ‘too old’ to join the police. David, who will be turning 56 when he leaves the Armed Forces, commented that: “It was not until I spoke with West Mercia today that I realised this was an option for me. You just assume that when you are close to the retirement age, you are not wanted.”

We want your skills!
Are you looking for a better work-life balance? Would you like to find a new challenge, but continue to serve the public? West Mercia Police could be for you.