Meet Harwich’s newest officer

On Friday 25 February, PC Wealls graduated from the Essex Police training college and now joins our Local Policing Team in the seaside town of Harwich.

Before joining Essex Police, PC Wealls worked in Tesco and has been able to bring many of the skills she learnt to her role as a police officer. She is keen to show that working in retail has some great benefits to helping you become a police officer because “if you have the key values that a police officer needs, then this is the role for you”.

PC Wealls went onto say:

“I’ve learnt so many valuable skills when I worked in Tesco’s that I’ve been able to transfer over to Essex Police, including communication skills, leadership, patience, problem solving, honesty, integrity and being open-minded.

“No matter your background or your life skills, every officer is different and brings a unique element and experience to policing that will be valued by Essex Police and our communities.”

Thanks to the four months of training at the Essex Police College, PC Wealls can “confidently go out on the streets to help the public and protect them with their best interests at heart.” Now, PC Wealls is ready to protect and serve her community. She said:

“It’s finally a dream come true.

“I’ve formed life-long friendships with people who have the same drive and goals as I do.

“I’ve been able to see all the different aspects and responsibilities within policing that others may not necessarily see from the outside looking in.

“One of the best parts of training was all the different opportunities we had to meet new people, which included talks from the National Police Air Service and the Dog Section.”

Training to be a police officer is exciting, but as you can imagine, it takes dedication and commitment to be successful at the end of your training. Every recruit is supported at their time at the college and beyond.

“Whether its experienced officers popping into the college to offer their support with the coursework and any advice, or the trainers going over things in their own time, Essex Police has supported me throughout my journey. There is always someone at the end of a phone and there is always support available.

“The most challenging part of the whole thing is definitely understanding the huge responsibility you have when you leave the college. Members of the public will be looking at you to help them and protect them.”

PC Wealls has big plans for where she wants to progress in the force, but she’s staying “open-minded” as with over 300 roles, there is so much to offer for everyone.

“So far, Operation Raptor, the response towards preventing and disrupting violent street gangs and county lines, which causes harm to our communities; the Dog Section, and Firearms have interested me the most. I think later on in my career I would definitely want to progress to a Sergeant role.”

 

Why not start your journey with Essex Police today?

At Essex Police, we value difference, and know that we’re strongest when we all work together.

Our officers have different life experiences, different skills and represent communities from across our county.

We’re here for you and your loved ones in times of emergency, and we’re always looking for new people to join us.

If you think you could protect and serve the people of Essex, why not see if you #FitTheBill? Visit our police officer career page to find out more.