Case studies : Police officer: Martin Collins

Martin graduated from the University of the West of Scotland in 2008 with a BA Criminal Justice. He worked in government administration with a local authority and is now a police officer.

As an anti-social behaviour investigator, my role involved implementing the local authority strategy dealing with anti social behaviour. This involved dealing with issues including drug offences, racial incidents, youth disorder, and gang violence. Neighbour disputes could range from noise disturbances to more serious issues including those previously mentioned. I liaised with and made referrals to internal and external agencies including housing offices, police and social work. I would also attend meetings, act as a professional witness to ongoing acts of anti-social behaviour, take witness statements and attend court.
 
One key personnel requirement was to have some knowledge of relevant legislation, some of which was covered within my degree. Studying also highlighted the importance of adhering to strict time constraints relating to report writing - this was very prominent within the job. Communication skills are also a key requirement. The role of an anti-social behaviour investigator revolves around people from all corners of society and as such you need communication skills to carry out the role - whether it's offering support to a victim, eliciting evidence from a witness or attempting to find solutions to problems with offenders.
 
Many departments within the public sector suffered due to the recession and the Anti Social Task Force was no exception. During my two years with the service many changes occurred. Last year, anti-social behaviour investigators moved into local area housing offices, where it was planned that they would undertake other duties carried out by housing officers.

I have achieved my career goal of becoming a police officer and hope eventually to take advantage of the accelerated career development opportunity that is available. Although it is possible to apply to the scheme with a degree in most disciplines, I think you will benefit most if you can combine what you have learnt from a relevant degree, with the police training and experienced gained.
  
By way of advice in these times of economic difficulty, students need to apply themselves to become the best candidate for employers. You get out what you put in to the course. Three years of applied studying saw me graduate with a BA Criminal Justice with distinction and it’s something I know demonstrates my commitment and dedication. Many people have a career path planned, but don’t panic and rush into things if it doesn’t happen immediately. Employment 'stepping stones' can be an option to graduates. Working as an anti-social behaviour Investigator was not my chosen career, joining Strathclyde Police was - but the post acted as a stepping stone and gave me employment experience on top of what I had learned within the degree.  I would therefore encourage students to explore all employment options upon graduating - you can still be focused on your career goal without feeling you are deviating from it.