Last updated 12:16, Monday, 08 December 2008

Kier Crossfield: Student, University of Cumbria

Kier Crossfield

MY NAME is Kier Crossfield, Im 19 and like many others I have an ambition – to become a police officer.

Over the past year I have applied for the police force and was rejected due to the lack of life experience I had at that time. My desire was still to work in the police but I was unsure of how else I could pursue this career and at my age and with the life experience I had it was looking rather bleak – until I came across the University of Cumbria’s policing studies course one day when browsing the internet in sixth form.

It is a unique course which gives young adults a chance to gain life experience of being a special constable while studying at university, which for me and many others in my situation is a perfect way to pursue the career you want in the police.

When I was reading about this course I knew it was perfect for me. No exams (which for some people might tick all the boxes but bear in mind it compensates with essays and presentations, both group and individual).

From February a high proportion of your work will be practical as you will be a special constable and best of all progressing towards working in the community. For me that is the best, knowing that you are working towards being there for the community and to know that you are there making a difference. This course provides all this.

So far things have been very interesting, such as learning laws and interacting with other peers on your course doing team-working skills, practical work, such as arresting practices and searches in class, and having class discussions.

It actually feels like I’m going somewhere, and with the uniform on I feel and look important. For many people like me, if practical work, constant motivation, learning new things and never having a dull moment is your style then this is the course for you!