What Our Officers Say
We can tell you a lot about the job, the opportunities and what we're like as an employer. But really, we'd prefer you hear it firsthand - from serving officers.
Jennifer Aird - Acting Sergeant, London Road
Strathclyde Police is a large organisation, and since joining I've realised there's such variety of roles, areas and specialist departments that I'll certainly never be bored here. Such is the unpredictable day in the life of an operational officer, every shift throws up new incidents and new challenges, so you can be sure that you'll learn something new every day.
One of the most interesting jobs I have been asked to do was to pretend to be a terrorist hostage aboard a plane. I spent a day in an airport hanger being repeatedly rescued from a jumbo jet by support unit officers - certainly different to your average day at the office!
Some incidents are difficult to deal with - because they involve sensitive issues, or because you're the first on the scene of an accident - but I take pride in doing a good job, knowing I might have helped someone out. And I like the variety, and diverse nature of the job we do. I was recently seconded to Criminal Justice and Territorial Policing, learning about changes in legislation while liaising with outside agencies. This was a complete contrast to my previous duties as an operational officer, and I thoroughly enjoyed the insight into the workings of this departmental role.
I'm now back in an operational role, taking on new challenges as an acting sergeant at London Road Police Office.
Iain Arnott - Acting Sergeant, Larkhall
My father was a police officer and our family stayed in police houses when I was young, so my whole upbringing was spent surrounded by police. In a way, I couldn't ever see myself doing anything else. But I also wanted a job with variety and opportunities. Until recently, I worked in Divisional Training where I looked after special constables and probationary constables as well as my own staff.
Each day brought something new - whether taking a course in Officer Safety Training, completing a monthly progress report, dealing with welfare issues or making a difficult decision on an officer's future. Some of the rewards of my job are unique. Recently I met HRH Prince Charles at St James' Palace in London, representing my division at the Princes' Trust Employee Development Awards. That day one of my cadets, Lisa Henderson, was nominated for an award.
I saw students leaving at the end of the course having learned new skills and I felt I had achieved something, too. And with so many different people from so many different backgrounds, you get the chance to interact with many cultures, traditions and some real characters.
I now work in core policing at Larkhall in South Lanarkshire. This has opened up many new challenges and opportunities - new people, new area and the huge variety that this job brings - every day.