Avon and Somerset Police

Off By Ed Hanna

Police Constable Mark (Bob) Santrian describes his journey from Armed Forces to police force.

I had a varied career in the Navy, mostly Serving with Commando Helicopter Force where I did my Commando and Parachute Course to work with the Mobile Air Operations Team, but I also Served at RAF St Mawgan in the SERE School and the helicopter underwater escape trainer (the notorious ‘Dunker’) as both a Diver and later as the OC. I deployed to numerous countries around the world including most of Europe, Bosnia, Iraq and a couple of tours of Op Herrick.

It wasn’t an easy decision to submit my notice, I still had about eight years to Serve and was really enjoying my career. However, I had always wanted to be a police officer and I decided to choose Avon and Somerset. This was for several reasons: family stability, the ethos and reputation of the force.

Experience
The selection process, while challenging, was well delivered. The assessments rely heavily on your ability to use your life experiences to demonstrate the necessary qualities of a police officer, I found my (Military) career provided lots of evidence and situations to talk about during the assessments.

I am now in week eight of my new career, based mainly at University of the West of England while studying for the Professional Policing degree and completing on the job training from Bridgwater Police Centre. Going back into formal education has been what I’d describe as an ‘enjoyable shock’ for me. I wanted a career that was a completely new challenge and it’s certainly met that aim so far!

Lifestyle
Its early days but I am enjoying being home for my family and I don’t miss the pre-deployment anxiety that we all suffered. My wife is now able to focus on her career and I can start to be more ‘present’ as a dad. Leaving the Navy was a daunting experience, but I’m not regretting it and I can’t wait to get going with my police career in Avon and Somerset Police. I’m chasing my dream!