Former Criminology, Policing and Investigation student, Linda Polska, has successfully secured a role at Wolverhampton Police Force as a Police Community Support Officer (PCSO).
Linda has always had a passion to work for the police force, so she applied during her final year of university. She sailed through her training and started with Wolverhampton Police earlier this year − with her ability to speak three different languages helping the force engage better with their diverse communities.
The support from both Birmingham City University and the force enabled Linda to combine the role alongside her studies.
Linda said, "It’s been great and I’m really enjoying the role, even though it’s been such a strange time with the coronavirus pandemic.
"I’ve wanted to join the police for a while and as a PCSO you deal with the community a lot - you help and support people, and that is what I like doing.
"I’m really determined when I set my mind on something, and I was able to combine both the course and joining West Midlands Police. I had a lot of support from the University and my police colleagues too.
"I would encourage anyone, from any community or background, to consider joining the police force, as it’s a great feeling being able to help others."
Inspector Stuart Roberts, from Wolverhampton Police, added, "Linda has already shown herself to be a fantastic addition and has been warmly welcomed into the team.
"We’re proud to serve in a diverse area – Linda’s ability to speak different languages and engage with our eastern European communities has enabled us to improve our rapport and better share important information.
"We’re always striving to be better, and being a diverse force helps us to help others."
Our School of Social Sciences has strong links with West Midlands Police, and has a number of initiatives on which it works in partnership with the force.
This enables Policing students to gain experiences which enrich their studies and drive them forward in their future career. In your first year as a Policing student, for example, you will get the opportunity to be trained and supported to become a Special Constable.
