PC Denzel Boachie

In sixth form I studied criminology and was always fascinated with how the criminal mind works. I was always torn between pursuing higher education and starting a career. The degree apprenticeship pathway has given me the opportunity to do both. I’m able to develop my knowledge, to have a deeper understanding of the criminal world, whilst developing my experience in the field/practical world.

Policing full time whilst also working towards a degree has been very challenging. Completing assignments and writing essays whilst also having to attend a domestic or violence incidents has proven to be a whole new challenge, like I’ve never experienced before.

Although it is challenging, I couldn’t have asked for a better team to join - they’ve guided me, allowed me to make mistakes and have always been there to pick me up. Something that stands out about the job is the relationship you have with your team: there are very few career choices in which you’ll develop a relationship with your colleagues in such a special way.

The turning point that directed me towards a life of policing were the initial BLM protests. I was passionate about past mistakes and events and wanted to influence the future. Growing up, like my community, I just did not like police, nor did we see anyone who looked like us in the uniform, so when I joined, I didn’t want to be a part of some slow progress or change.

I wanted to create something completely new, to police in my own way, staying true to the person I am. I see it now as not only my mission but an amazing privilege to show my friends, family, community, public and the police that I am here to represent ethnic minority communities and ensure their voices are heard.