A police encounter at a young age, leads to a career with the Police

At a young age Jason, who is one of the forces new student officers, experienced the trauma of being taken from his home and placed into emergency foster care further to the arrest of his father.

It was here that Jason had his first encounter with the police, an officer took care of and comforted him until Social Services took over.

Being taken away from his parents was naturally devastating, but after being taken into care, it soon became apparent that life was not meant to be about hunger or fear. Unfortunately, the option to stay with his mother was also taken away due to the neglect Jason and his siblings faced.

Up until the age of 18, Jason was in foster care; his foster parents were the complete opposite of his biological parents. He was well looked after, cared for and not treated as an outsider, he was raised with the same love, care and attention as their biological children.

The police came into Jason’s life at a crucial point and when it impacted him the most. From the age of around 12 Jason realised that had the police not come that day his path may have taken a very different route.

He attributes the help he received from that point in enabling him to get where he is today.

Prior to applying to become an officer, Jason worked as a lab technician and held various manufacturing roles. He heard positive stories about working for the police through friends who served as Special Constables which helped Jason decide to apply. Having studied in Leicester he grew to know the city well and observe the local communities.

Facing such challenges in early life to now leading a life full of hope provides Jason with the desire to give back; he is thrilled to have the opportunity to fulfil his wish and to help those that need it.

Jason no longer has contact with his biological parents, his foster family are his family now. Being a child put into care, he can fully relate to the uncertainties, loneliness and feelings of having no one to turn to. Over the years he has acknowledged these feelings as being normal and this is why he is passionate about sharing his journey and showing others that there is help out there and that they are not alone.

Jason chose a career with the police as a way to help and support those with a similar start in life. Once training is complete, he would be interested in joining the dog unit or becoming a family liaison officer.

For those considering applying for a role within the force, Jason’s advice is to go for it without hesitation:

“Any challenges you overcome in life will define you and help you to achieve the life you have always wanted.

“By applying for the police you’ll be joining an amazing team and you are welcomed into the family. This is an amazing job with so many different opportunities for you to discover.”