The role of a police officer, where no two days are the same

It is always a challenge for our Corporate Communications and Engagement Team to give a true picture of the role and the variety it includes not just on a day to day basis, but within a day and across the variety of roles a police officer might carry out within their 30 years of service.

We are lucky to have a number of officers who are happy to be the face of a campaign or share their story and their journey into policing.

One of those officers is Inspector Ben Huggins, and if I remember rightly Ben at one point was the youngest Inspector in the Force, quite an achievement.

We will be opening police officer recruitment on the 25 April, so we thought it might be useful to share Ben’s journey into policing and give you an idea of what he does every day as a response Inspector.

Inspector Ben Huggins

Current role: Police Inspector- Swindon Response.

“I never had any real interest in policing and originally intended to work in education, so the route into policing came somewhat as a surprise to myself.

“I had always been intrigued about the job, before I got into policing I was working in retail in administration and security, and it whilst working in retail I got to know members of the local neighbourhood policing team. That raised my interest and caused me to join.

?“I joined in 2008 and worked my way up through the ranks to Inspector in 2019.

?“On a daily basis, I am responsible for managing a team of police sergeants, police constables and local crime investigators across response policing. This is varied and includes responding to 999 emergency calls, 101 calls, management and oversight of legal PACE considerations and oversight of the Force custody unit, ensuring all legal and PACE requirements are met.

?“There are a number of actions under PACE that require the authority of an Inspector (such as authorising for things like warrants and taking of samples), and this sits with me. Additionally, I also pick up ancillary roles including being a Tactical Firearms Commander and a Post Incident Manager.

“Being a police officer can be a challenging role. As a frontline officer, the role has moved from working solely in ‘crime’ to wider crisis management, dealing with other community issues including those in mental health crisis.

Over all it is incredibly rewarding, especially when you are able to see a real outcome for a victim- being able to offer comfort, support and guidance to victims of crime is a truly privileged position.

?Also being a middle manager, I thoroughly enjoy seeing staff develop. I’ve supported a number of officers and staff move into promotion and specialist roles, and seeing those individuals excel is very rewarding.

?“So what does being a police officer give you? Apart from a good wage and pension, it also offers a wide range of career experiences and the ability to test yourself in very defining and demanding moments.”

Thinking of applying to become a police officer? Join HR Business Partner Rebecca Ackrill and the Positive Action Team on @wiltshirepolice for a Facebook Live event on Wednesday 13 April at 6pm.

We will answer any questions you may have in relation to joining Wiltshire Police as a Police Officer. Ask your questions in advance here https://forms.office.com/r/Chc5FZ5b37

Already have what it takes? Register on our Police Officer Talent Bank today