Sergeant Ahmed
Sergeant Ahmed (25) says he had a mixed response from his Somali friends and family when he first joined the police, but this has completely turned around and four years on he feels more connected to his community than ever. In his new role as a dedicated neighbourhood officer he’s able to help his home community, make use of his language skills, and support the police in understanding issues affecting Somalis in the UK.
“My siblings and friends were very encouraging, especially when they saw how much I value my work,” says Adam. However, his parents were a little less enthusiastic when he first told them he was joining the police. “There is little awareness and understanding of the police force and the work we do amongst older Somalians, so understandably my parents were initially unsure about my decision to join the police.”
“My parents are traditional and didn’t see the police force as a professional career,” says Adam. But this all changed when his mum and dad saw how well respected he was within the community. “My language skills have helped me connect with the community, and likewise, I’ve also been able to educate my colleagues about Somali culture and I’m really proud that I can bridge this gap on a day-to-day basis.”
“My parents are now very supportive and pleased about the path of career I have chosen to go down,” says Adam. “I thoroughly enjoy my work as it gives me the opportunity to help and support the community where I grew up, something I am passionate about. I can wholeheartedly say that joining the police force is the best career decision I have ever made.”
Adam first signed up as a voluntary Special Constable after learning about the various career paths available within the police at a youth group meeting. In his new hands-on role, he quickly discovered that serving his community was his calling and decided to apply for a full-time job as a Police Constable. After four years, he landed his dream job as a dedicated Neighbourhood Officer.
As well as having the opportunity to help his community, Adam says joining the police has been an all-round rewarding experience: “It’s an exciting career, there is never a boring day and there is no other job that will give you this level of fulfilment. I’d definitely encourage people to seriously consider joining.”
“No matter your area of interest, there is a role for you in the force. If you try a role and decide it’s not for you, you can try something else, until you discover what works for you,” says Adam. “I especially expressed an interest in working with the community that I grew up in as this is my passion, and I’m really grateful to have been given this prospect.”
Adam plans to keep rising up the ranks within his department, and feels the force offers excellent opportunities for progression and development.
He was even offered the chance to do a masters degree fully funded by the police. But for now, as a neighbourhood officer, he still feels a rush of pride when local people see him in his uniform.
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