Meet our newest Investigate First officer

On Friday 6 May, PC Alexandra Lynch, along with her 61 classmates, will graduate from the Essex Police training college. A total of 24 of the officers are also on the Investigate First programme with PC Lynch, meaning they’re training to be our next cohort of detectives.

PC Lynch will join Colchester’s Local Policing Team for the first 10 weeks after her graduation, after which she will join our Domestic Abuse Investigation Team for another 12 weeks.

Our Investigate First programme will allow PC Lynch to become a detective with Essex Police. The two-year development programme, for which “you’ll get a taster of everywhere across the specialist teams in our force”, will mean PC Lynch can receive her full detective accreditation in the next few years.

PC Lynch joined the programme because she’s “quite inquisitive” and “asks lots of questions”. She went onto explain what the most exciting part of the whole process has been so far:

“It’s been inspiring meeting and talking to colleagues with different specialisms.

“The Child Abuse Investigation Team, the Human Trafficking and Modern Slavery Unit, and other detective units have come to speak to us. They’ve talked about their day-to-day role, what they do and the future possibilities.

“The opportunities are endless.

“Though detectives and police officers have different roles, they’re both equally as important as one another. We can’t function as a force without each other.”

The prospect of “digging deeper” and “seeing an investigation all the way through to the end” is something PC Lynch is looking forward to. She went onto say:

“I want to be involved in victim support and public protection too. I want to be that gateway to help them get their voice back and make sure they’re heard.

“I personally feel quite passionate about the Domestic Abuse Investigation Team. I know people who have been victims and I know how it can silence them. The way domestic abuse is perpetrated is so hidden, so sinister, that sometimes you wouldn’t know if your friend, neighbour or someone you might know is a victim.

“No one deserves to be abused. A lot of people might think the police won’t help or will make things worse, but it shouldn’t be that way. We will be there to protect you and help you get out of those situations.”

Policing has always been in the back of PC Lynch’s mind, but over the years she has grown more confident to take the leap. Now 24, she feels like this will be the job she will do for the rest of her life.

“The main reason I never applied before is because I didn’t believe in myself but then I just thought I’ll give it a shot.

“You’re not going to know if you don’t take the risk. I’m really glad I did.

“I know they say you shouldn’t have regrets, but the only thing I do think to myself is I wish I’d joined five years ago. But I am happy where I am now.”

PC Lynch wants to give some final words of wisdom if you’re considering joining us as a detective or an officer.

“You will doubt yourself. Don’t. There are ups and downs to everything in the journey here. Don’t let things knock you down and make yourself get back up if you do. It’s just about believing in yourself. It’s fine to have a wobble. We all learn at different speeds. Don’t compare yourself to other people. Be open with your tutors, as they will always support you and won’t leave you behind.

“You will be so proud of yourself at the end of it.”

 

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.