Wrexham Sergeant backs officer recruitment campaign

A Wrexham officer has urged anyone considering applying for a role within North Wales Police to seize the opportunity.

The force is actively recruiting for PC roles, with a campaign currently running across NWP social media channels.

Sgt Dave Smith began his own policing career as a Special with Cheshire Police in 2009, prior to transferring to North Wales as a PCSO three years later.

A spell working for Merseyside Police in Birkenhead followed, before he transferred to Wrexham’s response team in 2017.

Sgt Smith said: “I’ve got so many happy memories of working in different forces, but North Wales Police has always felt like the best fit for me.

“NWP are not a metropolitan force, working here it feels like more like a one-unit family team.

“You get to know people in this organisation very quickly and, from a personal point of view, the support is always there when you need it.

“It’s a cliché but making a positive difference within communities was my main reason for joining the police.

“Coming from Flintshire and with my friends and family living in the area, I suppose I had a vested interest in working with North Wales communities and trying to make that difference.”

North Wales Police offers new recruits a competitive starting salary, as well as impressive opportunities for career progression.

Professional development forms an integral part of force policy, while its provision of welfare services for staff and officers is a key priority.

“Speaking from experience, I know that the support for staff and officers is there”, Sgt Smith said.

“A few years ago, I experienced some health issues, which required me to take time away from work.

“Throughout that period I felt like my welfare was treated as a priority and that the support network for me and my family was there.

“When I later returned to work as a Community Beat Manager in Wrexham, I was able to hit the ground running.

“In the course of that role, and since becoming a temporary Sergeant, I feel like we’ve really been able to engage with the public and forge stronger links with local communities.

“We’ve done that through some of our engagement and outreach work and it’s one of my favourite elements of the job.

“For me that’s an essential part of the role – being approachable, taking the time to talk with people, and having an interest in what’s going on in your local community.”

Policing in the UK has come under intense media scrutiny in recent years following high-profile incidents in other forces.

Sgt Smith believes that this has impacted negatively on the public’s perception of the vital work undertaken by officers on a daily basis.

He said: “I think that the recent national media coverage has created misconceptions among some people about police work and that’s understandable.

“Some of the incidents that have been reported from other force areas are disappointing to read about because it does tarnish the whole policing community.

“But I’d say that the vast majority of police officers are in the job for the right reasons – to make their communities better and safer places to live.

“And I’d say that is an ambition that can be achieved by anyone thinking of joining North Wales Police.

“Some people might have reservations about joining – whether it’s concerns about hostile situations, dealing with traumatic incidents, or maybe the person feels their physical fitness is an issue.

“I think that kind of self-doubt is natural and probably something a lot of new recruits feel early on.

“My advice would be to give it a go, because the support is there from the outset and it is ongoing.

"It’s not a traditional 9 to 5 role and every day can bring new experiences and situations, which can be challenging.

“But policing is a hugely rewarding career and there are so many avenues you can pursue once you’re recruited and established within your role.”

There has never been a better time to join North Wales Police and we are currently recruiting for PC roles.

We’re looking for people who reflect the communities we serve, people who can bring diversity of experience and who are willing to protect our streets.

If you want a varied and exciting career - protecting and serving your community, please visit: Police Officers | North Wales Police