‘I want to send a positive message’
OUR police officers play a vital role in keeping us safe and are a key part of the fabric of our capital. But could it be the role for you? PC Haroon Mughal, of the Metropolitan Police Service, talks about how it feels to be there for London every day.
Why did you originally decide to become a Police Constable?
“I used to be a police community support officer. At the time, the Met were not taking on any new Police Constables, so I left and got a job in IT. As soon as I saw they were recruiting PCs again, I put my papers through.
“For me, it was about sending a positive message. Unfortunately, the Asian community have some trust issues in the police. I wanted to take some of that stigma away.
“Hopefully, when people from minority backgrounds see me working for the Met, they will realise they can, too.”
What was the training like? “Because I had already been a PCSO, I knew the place quite well. The only daunting thing was meeting the other new recruits. But you spend about two months training together, so you form a bond. It is a bit like school, in a way.”
What is a usual day like as a PC? “As part of the Safer Neighbourhood Team, I patrol the streets and engage with the community.
“At the start of every shift, I go over recent crimes to assess where we need to go, and plan the day. We might be assigned a particular area to patrol, or a specific crime to follow up.
“Some days, we do a bit of community engagement with different centres and schools and we are given opportunities to use our initiative.”
What is the best bit?
“It is hard to say a single best bit. Of course, protecting my local community, and London as a whole, is hugely rewarding, and a big reason why I originally joined.
“But seeing a case from start to finish, and watching justice work is the best. It gives me a huge amount of pride being able to serve London like that.” What is it like to protect a city of over eight million people? What makes a Police Constable tick? Is there such a thing as a typical day? What is the best bit about the job? One Metropolitan Police PC gives an exclusive insight into his work
What is the most difficult?
“Seeing vulnerable people being taken advantage of. For example, when an elderly person has been conned out of money, especially because you might not be able to get it back for them. TV makes it look like every case is solved, but it is more complicated in reality.”
What do you see in the future for your career?
“Some people think that once you are a PC, that is it. But there are so many opportunities in the Met — you don’t have to stay at the same rank or level.
“Personally, I would like to specialise in an area such as Counter Terrorism. I could even do something with my IT skills. But that is not for a couple more years.
“All I know is that I could not work anywhere else. I tried being in an office, but I found it so unfulfilling.”
‘I could not work anywhere else. I tried being in an office, but I just found it so unfulfilling’
PC Haroon Mughal
What advice would you give to people interested in becoming a Police Constable?
“It does not matter what your background is, or what you’ve done before — you can do it. It is more about having the right personality traits — such as integrity, initiative and common sense. If you want a job where you meet lots of people and every day is different, then my advice is to just do it.”
If, like Haroon, you would like to make a positive impact on London, its people and your local communities, then become a Police Constable at the Met today. comes to working shifts, as days can be long, lasting eight, 10 or 12 hours.
Living in London is an absolute must. To join the Met, you will have lived in the city for three of the past six years — who better to look after London than those who know and love the city?
And, of course, integrity must be among your qualities.
You can find out more about the qualities required on the Met’s careers website — www.metpolice careers.co.uk/newconstable — and start your application.