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Shakira Munday is a student officer on the Police Constable Degree Apprenticeship (PCDA)
I had wanted to go into policing since I was doing my GCSEs. I’ve always wanted a job where I can help people as much as I can and make a difference to society so policing seemed perfect for me. I had police officers around me as close family friends and I would definitely say they inspired me from a young age. After A-levels I took a gap year and I was fortunate enough to do a ride-along with the Metropolitan Police which confirmed it is what I wanted to do.
My first day of training consisted of understanding the course and what is to come while getting to know the rest of the group. Module 1 was the introduction to professional policing and law. At the end of each module there is a multiple-choice exam where it is 70% or above to pass and a written assignment from Anglia Ruskin University to complete which has a 40% pass mark. Module 2 was the application of police powers. Throughout the course there are many practical scenario days to assess your knowledge in practise and to get ready for when you are out for the first time. These scenario days allow you to use all your equipment and experience situations as the leading officer with role-players which is really useful to practise quick thinking and being prepared for the future. Module 3 is protection and vulnerability. In your first few months you have Police Officer Safety Training (PST), which is everything you need to know and use in your career when dealing with someone physically and the legislation around it.
My experience so far has been exciting, eye-opening, and stressful. There is a lot you need to know which you can imagine as a police officer. It was daunting at first thinking it was a lot to take in and questioning whether I was capable to do it all, but when you’re in situations you realise, you’re more than capable and you have all the knowledge and you’ll be even better with the experience. I’ve always loved studying especially when it is something you love and want to do, that is what makes it so interesting. I cannot wait for the course to go on as I build my knowledge even further and experience policing in the real world fully prepared as a police officer.