When Autumn Graham saw an advert for police constable recruitment, she just knew she had to apply.
Despite having been a secondary school teacher for six years and about to be promoted, there was something about the role that intrigued the 30-year-old.
“I’ve always been interested in the police, but no one was recruiting when I finished university. When it did open, I was already doing my master’s in environmental science so I went down that route,” she said. “But in 2021 they opened it again just as I was about the be promoted and I just thought, it’s now or never.”
Autumn is now part of Darlington A Relief after completing her training at the force’s Meadowfield training centre as part of her Degree Holder Entry Programme course. The training covers a multitude of specialist subjects, and Autumn said she found the topic of domestic violence and safeguarding really interesting; she hopes to move into Safeguarding or Roads and Armed Policing as her career progresses.
“I just want to try everything and that’s what really drew me to response. I had a really good career and had to take a pay cut to pursue policing but I’m so glad I did because I’m loving it,” Autumn said.
Autumn, from Teesside, encourages anyone else with an interest to apply. “If you’ve ever wondered about it then I’d say just do it,” she added. “I’d always been fascinated by the police so I’m so grateful I now get to be part of it, especially at Durham.” Autumn described the role as unpredictable, adrenaline-fuelled and gratifying.
Police officer recruitment is now open. To find out more and apply, click here.
South West Durham News covering news across County Durham.
