Tom's Story

Tom joined the CNC in 2010 and now works as a police sergeant at our Hartlepool Operational Policing Unit, carrying out acting inspector duties. Since joining the CNC, he has undertaken roles as a unit trainer, personal safety training instructor, unit physical trainer, operational firearms instructor, and Project Servator behaviour detection officer and operational commander.

Tom said: “I served in the British Army for seven years but had always wanted to become a police officer to follow in my parent’s footsteps. During my resettlement period in the Army, I found out about the CNC online. The more I researched, the more I thought the CNC could provide me with a fulfilling varied career. I found the different roles available, like PST Instructor, and promotion opportunities appealing, which I have pursued.

“I wanted job security, a regular income but something where I would feel I was part of something, like I had in the military. Also being operational day to day, never knowing what is going to happen keeps me motivated and was a big attraction.

“I soon found the skills I had acquired in the military could be directly transferred into my CNC career. You are taught very similar values and standards. You have a lot of responsibility day to day, you are expected to behave in a certain way, you work well in a team, you have to problem solve and get the job done. You will have a high level of professionalism and integrity. This is on top of the obvious weapon handling experience.

“You will be working day to day in a close team and you will train together too, making friendships in and out of work. I like to cycle with my colleagues and have even taken part in charity events with them. I found the transition into a civilian career very easy as a result.”