PC Michael Thomas
Every new police officer that comes through Leicestershire Police’s training academy doors knows Michael Thomas.
As one of the force’s operational training team Michael guides student police officers in skills such as first aid, dealing with disorder and handcuffing techniques.
A police officer for more than 11 years, Michael grew up in Leicester and admits his Mum didn’t originally want him to join the police.
But after hearing Michael’s stories of supportive colleagues and a great camaraderie over the years she decided to take the plunge herself and join as a Police Community Support Officer (PCSO).
Michael said:
“I always wanted to join as I wanted to do something to make my parents proud.
“At first Mum didn’t want me to join. She was worried about what I’d face on the job and what it would be like for me in the police service.
“But when she heard from me what it was like and how people had your back she was much more at ease. So much so that she joined herself as a Police Community Support Officer (PCSO) and loves it.
“You work within a great team with a strong family ethos. It’s the best job. Where else could you do the things which you can do in the police? You have the ability to make such a positive difference to someone’s life.”