KATHERINE

My name is Katherine and I work as an Employee Development Manager. I joined the police service in 2007 and prior to that my career background was in retail, learning and development. I strongly believe that in order for the police service to attract and retain staff it must offer attractive development opportunities and ensure that it values and recognises employee skills and talent. It must also ensure it creates a working culture that is not just diverse but also inclusive to all employees where equal opportunities are evident.

The main aspect of my role is to help and increase employee development for all staff within my Force. I also have a strong passion for ensuring all employees are given equal opportunities in regards to promotion and progression. This includes spending time focusing on the development of employees from minority groups such as females and Muslims. I am also a member of the National Association of Muslim Police (NAMP) and work as an Area Representative for the Force. This role involves being the first point of contact for any Muslim employee that may be facing challenges or difficulties within the workplace. My role is to offer support and advice to these individuals and ensure they get the help they require. I have also recently joined as an executive member of the newly formed Women’s group for NAMP. This groups aim is to focus on key issues for Muslim women working within the police force.

I am also a mentor and have been involved with a project led by the National Association of Muslim Police with young Muslims aged 14-16yrs and have found this to be very useful in supporting and engaging with our community.

RAJA

I joined the Police Force in 2003 after thinking long and hard about it. I come from a clan which has strong links with the Police and Army in Pakistan, so parentally I had no challenges when I declared my interest to become a Policeman. However, after joining the force I quickly realised that the real challenge would come from my own community, I’ve always been fascinated how our community views certain professions as no go areas. For me, Police work isn’t just a career it’s an institution. Love it or hate it you have to respect what it stands for.

I got through my training stages and began work finding the shifts hard at first but the work was so varied and interesting and yes at times quite challenging. It kept me hanging on! I found that I had the opportunity to pursue my passion as a community officer through my organisation, I’ve been engaged in local youth work, giving talks and mentoring kids in schools and colleges. Also mentoring difficult and challenging children from schools where my input has helped make a difference to young peoples’ education and lives. Working in areas with many people with South Asian origins I’ve been able to use my bilingual skills. I’ve engaged with professionals from all fields of policing and government to help effect positive change and ensure that the voice of my community is heard. Working closely with my colleagues in understanding Islamic culture has also helped them work more successfully in dealing with community issues with a more open mind. My work has gained force-wide recognition and I have received 2 awards to date for my youth and community work. In February a few colleagues and myself set up a new Muslim Police Association in our Force to aid the recruitment and retention of Muslims, break down barriers, build long lasting bridges between the community and the police.

In many ways being a Police Officer is a rewarding and satisfying way of life. You are given authority and the creative freedom to do the best you can for the society you live in, can be the best you want to be and can make a difference to peoples’ lives in a positive way. As a Muslim I believe I should work hard to make the society I live in a better place and I am proud that I can do that as a police officer.