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At just four years of age Raha Hassan came to England with his family.
They arrived as refugees from the Iraq war - moving to Leicester which they have called home ever since.
He is now Leicestershire Police’s first Kurdish officer having joined the force via the Police Constable Degree Apprenticeship (PCDA) Scheme.
Raha said: “I wanted to make a positive difference in wider society. I was at university studying Economics and working in Marks and Spencer’s and I saw an advert for the PCDA at Leicestershire Police. I conducted a bit of research and thought it was something that I really wanted to do and applied straight after.
“I wanted to help people and make a difference. I didn’t want to work for a company and it be about profit. I was interested in the social aspect and a career that challenges you and has a career structure where you can progress and develop your skillset and specialise.
“My parents and family are very proud. I grew up in the inner-city of Leicester and in school and knew a lot of kids who were anti-police but I wasn’t. I was fascinated by police and crime documentaries on the TV.
“As far as I know I am one of only a few Kurdish police officers in England. I want to inspire other people to join the police and follow in my footsteps. One day I want to reach senior leadership.”