Insp Craig Smith-Curtis
Working in a bank straight from leaving school, Craig Smith-Curtis had a sense of unfulfilled potential and a yearning for a job that had meaning.
As he walked home from another day behind the counter, a poster advertising a police recruitment event caught his eye and that was the spark he needed.
He went along to the event and still remembers the details of the police officer leading the event talking about his role and personal experiences, which led to him applying.
More than 12 years later Craig has recently been promoted to the rank of Inspector after operating as a Neighbourhood Sergeant in the West of Leicester for a number of years.
He said:
“I just remember his stories and some of the humour he added in and I just thought he came across as really human and I went on to apply.
“For me I want to make a difference - it’s about making your own small positive change in the community.
“The amount of support I have had in the job is amazing. I have completed a foundation degree and I’m part of a fast track scheme that has seen me become an inspector.
“I am openly gay but I have never had an issue or negative experience at work. It is one of the few places I feel most comfortable. I feel like it’s a really safe and inclusive place and organisation. Networks mean you can engage with peers and colleagues. I’ve never felt different from everyone else here.
“It is clear to see that the representation within the organisation is improving all the time. While there is still a way to go it is really encouraging to see.
“As part of my job I have worked closely with the deaf community and trained as a British Sign Language (BSL) interpreter.
“The deaf community used to be apprehensive about the police and now we are on first name terms because we have broken down barriers and created partnerships and friendships.”