Meet the newest response officer in Grays

Meet PC Bilal Ahmed, one of 62 officers who passed out from the Essex Police training college on Friday 6 May. He is now ready to join more than 3,500 officers who are protecting and serving our county.

He’ll be based on Grays Local Policing Team, where he previously volunteered for three years as a Special Constable. After “seeing the impact that being a police officer had on people” he decided to take the leap and join us full-time.

PC Ahmed has always aspired to be a police officer, so this is “100% a proud moment” for him. He went onto say:

“You can do this job regardless of your race and background. I’m Asian and my passing out shows that you can do it. You have to believe in yourself and just take the leap.”

PC Ahmed “can’t wait to come and help people out in Grays and beyond”. By doing so, he wants to help “change people’s mindset on the police”.

“I won’t be able to change everyone’s mindset but I will do what I can as one single officer.”

And growing up in East London, PC Ahmed wants to bring his background to help in his role. It just goes to show how valuable your life experience and background can be to policing.

“Honoured-based crime is a very big thing in the Asian community, where people think it’s acceptable.

“It’s quite a hidden crime and can have a devastating impact on victims. I want to help people who are in those situations.

“If you find yourself having any honoured-based issues, please come and talk to us.”

If you have concerns about speaking on the phone, you can also contact us via 'Live Chat'; our online chat service, which allows people to send and receive real-time direct messages with our online digital 101 operators.

You can tell us what your communication preferences are too, for example speaking to us during a certain time period. If you'd prefer to talk to a female officer, we'll try to accommodate your request.

PC Ahmed has received valuable support and advice throughout his time in the training college. He’s come across instructors who have been in our force for more than 20 or 30 years and who still love their job. It’s inspired PC Ahmed to have a life-long career with us.

“Anyone that you want to talk to in the college will always give you advice. Our trainer has always been so motivating and he will always make sure you’re doing your best.

“Of course, it’s up to you to try your best as well.”

“You’re treated as a family at Essex Police.”

As part of training, our recruits meet with various teams with different specialities across the force. It’s inspired PC Ahmed to look at a career in our Firearms team in the future. He loves “the whole aspect of the job, whether that’s the commitment you put in, the uniform you wear or the training you undertake”. It’s something he’s always wanted to do and meeting the team has brought his dream to life.

If that isn’t enough to make you want to submit your application today, PC Ahmed wants to share his own advice on joining Essex Police.

“If you’re 18 or 50, you can still join. If you can talk to people, work hard and give 100%, then that’s all you need.

“It can take a few years to learn everything, you can’t learn it all in a few days, weeks or months. So, don’t overthink it. There will always be a role for you.

“Remember, it’s not always going to be fun driving around on blue lights. You will have to do paperwork, interviews and sit at scenes for hours, but don’t let that put you off.

“You will have ups and downs, like anywhere you might go. If this is something you really want to do, then go for 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.