PC Craig Stocker

2016

"I am a PC and occasional acting Sergeant at Grays police station. I was on the Local Policing Team for three years before I moved over to the Community Policing Team.

"In the CPT we’re less reactive, we have more time to identify long-term problems and come up with operations to prevent future crimes.

"I have seen and done a lot in my six years with Essex Police. One job that particularly sticks out for me is when I manged to talk someone down from jumping off the QE2 Bridge. I simply had a conversation with them, offered them a different perspective and found them the help they needed. Although it was many years ago, I’ll always remember it as one of my greatest achievements.

"I enjoy my job, but my life outside of work is varied, too. I go to the gym and love to play the drums."

"I like that it’s never mundane, every day is a new challenge and it’s very rewarding to help vulnerable people in society.

"We are also well looked after by the force. If we experience a traumatic job or are having a tough time, we can speak to a TRiM (Trauma Risk Incident Management) Officer, who will have a chat with us and refer us on to the right people to get the help we need.

"We can also turn to our colleagues for help because we’re all so close and in the same boat. There’s a lot of support available and that gives me confidence."

"Grays is a diverse area - it is home to people from a range of different backgrounds, with varying morals and beliefs. It is so important to have a police force that reflects that community so we can better understand its wants, needs and concerns."

"Regardless of who you are and where you are from, anyone can be a police officer. It is important that our force includes a variety of people with a range of backgrounds and opinions, so that the community feels represented.

"If you can talk to anybody, understand different views and want to help people, you’ll make a great officer. Have a look at the different roles available and you’re bound to find the right fit."