A student officer who has recently appeared in the Home Office’s latest police recruitment campaign says juggling her studies with being a mum is challenging but she strives to make her children proud.
Police Constable Degree Apprenticeship (PCDA) student and mother-of-two Tracy Robinson says the secret to training, working and making time for her children is being organised.
The 37-year-old, who was chosen to feature in the Home Office’s Uplift campaign, which hopes to bring in 20,000 new recruits, joined the Force as a Police Community Support Officer back in 2009.
“The plan was always to become a police officer but I wanted to start a family first, before I could get more involved with the Force,” said Tracy.
“I’m passionate about having a positive impact on the lives of others and I honestly believe being in the police is one of the few jobs you can do this.”
Jumping from part-time hours to full-time has been challenging, admits Tracy. She said: “It’s enjoyable though, a total whirlwind, the past two years have gone really quickly.
“It’s difficult to do everything but you just get on with it. I’m fortunate to have a really great support network around me, especially my husband who’s at home if I’m struggling.
“The trick is being organised and flexible. You’d think I’d have got myself into a routine but actually, it’s the opposite, with shift patterns, I have to be flexible.
“All of the hard work is worth it though, to be a role model to my kids and make both them and my parents proud. It helps that I love my job, I’ve not had a day yet where I don’t want to go into work.”
As part of the Home Office’s campaign, Tracy says she hopes to inspire others who might be considering joining the Force.
“Being part of the campaign was totally out of my comfort zone but I was very flattered to be asked,” she says, “I want to prove to others that just because you’re a parent, you can still do what you’re passionate about.”
Tracy says she also wants to show others that there is no limit on what age you can study.
“It’s actually been a really long time since I was in education – at first doing a degree seemed terrifying but I think I’m doing OK. For me, it’s really important to get the message across that whatever age you are, you can do something if you want to do it,” she added.
“I think that my life experience, skills and knowledge will help me in my role. I think it’s essential that the Force reflects society, and ultimately, a range of demographics will make a better team.”
The Home Office’s Uplift Programme aims to recruit 20,000 new officers across England and Wales over the next three years.
