Meet Special Sergeant, Justyna

I have been in the force for more than 13 years holding a rank of Special Sergeant at Colchester police station.

Around 17 years ago, I came to this country to try and support my family financially, but I never expected I would stay here and find a new home for myself.

Outside the force I own my massage therapy business, as well as my own none-profit OCR Sports Organisation called Squadron303 Racing Team. All over the world, me and my teammates promote the history of Polish pilots fighting in the Battle of Britain by encouraging people to be active and enjoy obstacle racing.

Apart from helping people and feeling an extreme satisfaction doing so, I enjoy the sense of purpose and being part of a team who are always there for me. I feel accepted for who I am, not for where I’m from. I enjoy the adrenaline rush, decision making process and feeling of accomplishment at the end of every day.

For me, it was difficult due to the language barrier. I never learnt English in school, and I was concerned my communication skills wouldn’t be good enough, but I was very wrong. 13 years later, I’m still here passing my skills and knowledge on to student officers.

The force offers so many different ways of supporting colleagues, like mobile devices for people with dyslexia, flexible shift patterns, and mental health support. I always encourage people to come and speak to us to find out more about the roles within Essex Police.

It is important that the force values difference. To be able to grow, our force continues to learn and adapt to support everyone and their needs.

How has Essex Police as an organisation supported you in your career?

I have always been supported by my command team and my local officers. They’re like my friends and family and I can always rely on them.

Every day is different, and you never know what will happen.
There’s one thing that surprised me that I didn’t think I’d gain from my role.

I always thought that I was very much a single player and, as much as I could be part of a team, I was always looking after myself.

As a Sergeant, I discovered the success of my team is also my success. I feel proud when I see my officers’ achievements and seeing them support people in need.

I’ve grown on the skills that I didn’t think I had in me.

If you are thinking about joining but you are not sure, come and see us at one of our open days or recruitment stalls across Essex. We will be happy to answer all your questions, and I promise you won't regret it.