Policing with Pride: PCSO Adelina Olaru

PCSO Adelina Olaru, a Romanian national, moved to the UK in 2010.

It came after revealing to her family she was gay and not feeling as though she “fit in”.

Since then, she has graduated with a degree in forensic science and criminal investigation from the University of Central Lancashire, became a prison officer and worked detaining illegal immigrants at Holyhead port.

She began her role as a PCSO for North Wales Police in November 2020.

“I have always wanted to work for the police, even since I was a child,” she said.

“I wanted to become an officer in Romania, but it’s very difficult to get in there, so I never really saw it as an option for me.

“Then, when my family found out that I was gay, I quickly discovered that I didn’t fit in in Romania anymore. I didn’t feel wanted there; I was 23 at the time.

“There was a big cultural difference there - my sexuality wasn’t accepted, and gay marriage is not legal. So, in 2010, I decided to move away.”

She said as a PCSO, her understanding of cultural differences offers her an advantage in her role and allows her to communicate effectively with eastern European nationals within the community.

“I understand the cultural differences and cultural behaviour of different nationalities, which has come in really useful at times in my job,” she said.

“Some people with eastern Europeans background can come across a bit sterner and straight to the point when they talk.

“To some they may come across as blunt, but I can recognise that it’s just their cultural behaviour that is different.

“At times, I’ve been able to break down cultural barriers and build bridges of trust.”

PCSO Olaru’s ambition is eventually to become a police constable, and hopefully, one day, train as a firearms officer.

Visit our page tomorrow to hear more about PC Karl Allman’s story.

Head over to our South Flintshire Facebook page every day this week to hear from officers sharing their personal stories and lived experiences that highlight the importance of diversity, equality and inclusivity at North Wales Police.