Cumbria Constabulary are looking for motivated individuals to help prevent crime and disorder and keep Cumbria safe. They are currently recruiting for Police Constables with Open Evenings being held across the county over the next few weeks. We've spoken with David Murdock of Cumbria Constabulary to find out what it takes.....


Name: David Murdock

Job title: Police Constable

Employer: Cumbria Constabulary

Age: 26

Where from, where work: Whitehaven, Whitehaven

How long have you done the job?
I have been a PC since June 2017, prior to that I had been a Special Constable from September 2014.

Take us through a typical day.
I start my shift by getting all of my kit ready, stab vest, radio, kits bag and prepare a vehicle for the day. We have a briefing and are given our tasking’s and areas for that shift. After this, if you are given incidents to deal with or enquiries for prisoners you deal with those but if not you deal with jobs as and when they are called in and complete your own crime enquiries.

What do you like most about your work?
Every day is different, you do not know what you will encounter and it is very rare that you have a boring day! We have to react to logs that come in but we also get the opportunity to proactive policing work.

What do you like least?
I really enjoy being out in the community and being visible. We are provided with mobile devices which gives us the opportunity to spend as much time as possible which is why I joined the police, however there are some things we have to attend the station for.

Why did you want to do this job?
I didn’t want to look back in 40 years when I’m (hopefully) retired and think that I had wasted my career doing something I didn’t enjoy. You spend most of your life at work and I wouldn’t want to dread going in each day and counting down the hours.

What jobs have you done previously?
I have worked at McDonalds and Morrison’s before moving to Sellafield Ltd for four and a half years before joining Cumbria Police

What qualifications or experience do you need in your position?
Now you need a level 3 qualification or relevant policing or work experience. This includes working as a PCSO or Special Constable. A lot of people study policing at university which provides them with the qualification to apply.

What is a typical salary for your job?
The starting wage is £20,370 for those without a policing qualification or experience as a Special Constable or PCSO.

Any advice for people wanting to get into your profession?
Do your research before you join, read about what the job is like and what it entails and if you feel you can do it then apply!

It’s a demanding job and from day one to a member of the public you look the same as a police officer with 25 years’ service! You have to be able to think on your feet and be confident in your knowledge and powers and be able to apply them practically day in day out.

For me it is the best job in the world and I would recommend it to anyone!


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For more information about this role please click HERE.