PC Thomas Harrod

Student officer Thomas Harrod became a police officer in September 2022 and is currently on our Police Constable Degree Apprenticeship (PCDA) training route.

I knew I wanted to be a police officer from a very young age. I can remember watching The Bill with my dad and other police programmes such as Police Interceptors and I grew up liking the role and what it stood for.

I liked that they stood up for people in need. My neighbour across the road can still remember me coming up to her when I was young saying, “I’m going to be a police officer when I grow up”, and here I am.

My interest really sparked when I got accepted into the police cadets King’s Lynn branch and the sergeant took me under his wing. I would shadow him when he was a custody sergeant and I would do ride-alongs with officers on his team. From there the seed was firmly planted.

Many people along the way challenged my choice of career and I had numerous people tell me they could not see me as a police officer, which set me back a few paces, but I stuck to it and even though the journey hasn’t been smooth I’ve finally achieved my dream job.

Previously I was working as a customer service assistant at Wickes, in King’s Lynn. I was also a Special constable for Norfolk Constabulary for three years. This gave me a real insight into policing and whether it was for me. The skills I gained were invaluable and gave me the boost I needed to proceed with applying to the regulars.

I love the variety of incidents I face, and it goes without saying that no two are the same. The police officer role is very rewarding, especially knowing I am making a difference and supporting those in need - one of the morals I like to live by. Knowing I am helping someone drives me to be better and to deliver a full and great service to members of the public to make Cambridgeshire a safer place.

Adapting to the role has been a challenge, such as learning new law and legislation, but through grit and determination I managed to pass training school and then get out on the streets to put it all into action.

I have grown in myself and have developed to become a proud member of the Cambridgeshire policing family.