A few years before I decided to finally pursue my dream and join the police, I had an extremely rough time battling with anxiety and depression. With the help of therapy, I realised joining the Met was the kick I needed to get me going and help me gain back control of my life. It was the necessary route to rebuilding my confidence and regaining motivation. I hope this sets an example for young people in similar circumstances who, like me, doubted if they could do it.
My mother has always been very supportive, so it was no surprise that she was with me on my decision to apply to become a police constable. My father and brother, on the other hand, were very sceptical of my decision at first, but I think it was coming from a more protective point of view. The majority of my close friends were very surprised that I was interested in policing, and perhaps didn’t initially take me seriously.
It is extremely important for me as a Black woman to know that I am in a police force where I can look around and see people who represent me in terms of cultural background. As is serving communities knowing that people similar to me understand that they are respected and acknowledged, that their needs are met, and that they are receiving the same standards of service from the police as others around them.
I believe if different communities have positive encounters with the police, it will encourage a more diverse group of people to sign up. Another challenge – but it’s also an advantage – is having the understanding as a Black police officer of the everyday challenges people of colour have faced regarding their personal experiences with the police.
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