Meet PC Luke Watson

“I really like having conversations where I can share perspectives and influence change, but it is definitely the biggest challenge in my role”

PC Luke Watson, previously crowned “Britain’s quickest cop”, has recently won the Making A Difference award at the Essex Police Force Awards as well as Police Officer of the Year at the National Black Police Association Conference. After receiving well-deserved recognition – where's he running to next?

“I have been in the police for nearly 8 years now. Before joining, I was a Sports Therapist, working with various athletes and sports teams with injuries and rehabilitation.

"So, I have always felt passionate about helping people. I was inspired to join the police as it presented a new challenge from anything that I had ever done or considered before. I liked the idea of helping people as well as catching criminals and I thought that I had to give it a go!” 

Now as the newly appointed Multi and Ethnic Support Association (MESA) lead, one of the many support networks Essex Police offer and encourage joining, Luke is at the forefront of change and helping people in a different way: 

“I’m trying to implement change, not only in policy but in people’s perspectives and understanding of issues impacting multi-ethnic staff and officers and the wider public. I really like having conversations where I can share perspectives and influence change but it is definitely the biggest challenge in my role – to affect change which then alters our processes and outcomes.” 

“A typical day starts off with responding to emails, making calls and catching up with any news that I’ve missed. Then there are usually meetings which could include Diversity, Equality and Inclusion panels, working groups for Op Hampshire (guidance to help us respond more effectively to assaults on police officers and staff) or Standards of Appearance.

"Planning talks or inputs with different stations or departments, helping the force to implement the actions from the Police Race Action Plan, public engagement events, offering support or advice to MESA members…to name a few daily tasks. It really is as varied and unpredictable as front-line policing in some respects, and I am constantly problem solving and thinking on my feet which I really enjoy.” 

PC Watson knows change doesn’t happen overnight and there’s a lot of work that needs to be done, but the prospect of making a difference is endlessly rewarding. 

“Getting to talk to communities and learn from their experiences, hearing their views of policing and what they need from us is what it’s all about. Bridging that gap and ensuring all voices are heard gives me purpose. And ultimately, we’ll be a better force and provide a better service for all.”  

He argues that communication is the main tool any officer should be equipped with in order to excel in any policing role; 

“Communication is key. Having a curious mindset helps with investigation, problem solving and overall personal development as an officer. It also helps to have a good memory because you’ll be juggling multiple tasks throughout the day.” 

But he also states the importance of using your initiative when it comes to keeping the public safe. Using your knowledge and skillset learnt from training combined with human compassion can be the difference between life and death: 

“I was called to a stabbing incident and luckily my crew mate and I were just around the corner. When we arrived, it was quickly apparent that the victim had received significant injuries in his arm and was bleeding out. Using my first aid training, I managed to slow the bleeding until an ambulance arrived and used a torniquet to stem the flow. After dealing with the incident, the paramedic said that the victim might not have survived due to blood loss had I not intervened. It’s nice to think that I might have saved someone’s life that day.” 

With consideration to his career progression in policing, the world is most definitely his oyster: 

“That’s the beauty of policing, there are so many avenues to follow that I’m happy to see where my career takes me. As long as I’m continuing to be impactful and helping people, then I can leave work each day feeling like I’ve made a difference. It also helps that friends and colleagues keep me motivated along the way, they’ve kept me smiling through the tough times, they’re my team mates” 

So, what advice would PC Watson give to those wanting to join the team? 

“Do it. Sign up now. Joining the police has given me some of the best and most unique experiences of my life and you won't regret it” 

At Essex Police, we value difference. We know we’re strongest when we work together. And we want a workforce that represents our communities. 

If you share our values and want to help people, keep people safe and catch criminals, then join us as a police officer, member of staff, special constable or volunteer.

Find out if you fit the bill