Case studies : Police sergeant: Claire Jardine

Claire joined the force in 2006 after studying for an MA in French at a Scottish university. She now works for the London Metropolitan Police Force in London and is currently on the High Performance Development Scheme.

I knew I didn’t want to work in an office pouring over books, doing translations or something. I had always been a ‘people person’ and really wanted to work with everyday people in my job and to help others.

I joined the University Officer Training Corps during my studies but felt that a career in the Armed Forces would mean too much time away from my family, so I opted for the police service instead.

I passed all the tests, although I actually found the physical fitness tests the most demanding. I would advise anyone who is going to apply to spend at least six months in training before going ahead with the tests.

I was very lucky to be accepted on to the HPD scheme and have found that it adds value to my day job by encouraging me to be aware of all the different aspects of policing even while on the beat.

I’ve attended many emergency incidents which really opened my eyes to the reality of front-line policing. I believe such experience is important if you’re going to go on to become a credible manager.

Mentoring and career development are big features of the programme. My Chief Inspector has been immensely supportive of my ambitions, and together with my mentor has helped me to draw up a clear career development plan.

I do really enjoy my job, whether I am helping direct fans at a football match on a Saturday afternoon or keeping the peace in town on a Saturday night, no two days are the same and the variety keeps me on my toes.

The paper work can be a drag however and the shift work has played havoc with my social life!

The most challenging part of the job is definitely when I am trying to physically restrain a man who is bigger and heavier than I am, it is something I am getting better at but hopefully as I progress through the ranks that will become a less regular part of the job.

I would advise anyone who is considering going into policing as a career to really think about the day to day realities of dealing with criminals like drug addicts and violent offenders. A few nights walking the streets with a police patrol as a volunteer may put some people off, but the work is extremely rewarding and I like to think that the streets of London are in some small way safer because of me.