Toni Davie

Years of service: 3

Police Constable Toni Davie worked in human resources for eight years before becoming a police officer. 

Why did you want to join the police?

I always wanted to join the police, it was always the end goal for me.

I can’t even think why I initially wanted to join, I just looked up to police officers as role models and wanted to be there to help other people and get justice.

I wanted to join from a very young age. I drew pictures of myself as a police officer at play group and nursery.

Did you have transferable skills from your previous career?

My previous career was in recruitment and human resources so I was very much talking to people all the time. So that definitely made me have better communications skills which is transferrable to the police.

What do you enjoy about your current role?

I really enjoy response policing because I’m exposed to everything and anything. You don’t know what call you’re going to, you don’t know if it’s going to be a crime to deal with or if it’s someone needing support with their mental health. I just love how every day is different and I can go out and give it my all.

Do you have any specialist training?

I am a Domestic Abuse Champion which means colleagues can come to me if they have any enquiries that they are dealing with and want some advice on any domestic abuse cases.

What does a typical day look like?

Day to day, it’s very different. It really depends on what shift you’re going in to. For example weekend work can be completely different from what you might experience on day shifts through the week.  It can also depend on what’s been happening the shift before. I might be picking up an enquiry that the previous shift needs actioned or I might be getting on with my own enquiries. There could be calls waiting for you, so the moment you get in its kit on and straight out.

What do you enjoy most about being a police officer?

What I enjoy most about being a police officer is getting to meet so many different people going out in the community making a difference, speaking to everyone, helping them out in times of need, helping them out with their future plans. Just being out there and part of the community and being that person someone can go to if they are needing help and advice.

What is the toughest part of being a police officer?

The toughest part of being a police officer I would say is it does have a huge impact on your life. You do sacrifice a lot for the job. Shift work can be difficult but you do adapt to it. You do sometimes miss those family occasions but it is worth it, it is a great career.

Have you faced any challenges?

In my early career it would be going in to those challenging situations when people are acting violent and your communication skills are not enough to help the situation. You may need to consider using force and using those skills you are trained with when you join. You can feel apprehensive to begin with but as you gain more experience, your confidence grows. You know how to deal with those situations when you face them.

What would you say the development opportunities are like?

I had an idea of different departments or things I could go in to and when you join your world is your oyster really.  It opens your eyes to loads of different roles. Management and your colleagues are always supportive of you going and trying new things. 

There are hundreds of different opportunities and unique and different things that would fit any person that joined the police. It’s basically a university, it’s the only way I can describe it.

What do you have planned for your future career?

At the moment I’m very happy in response policing. I’m still learning every day and I’m quite happy to remain in my current role. I would like the opportunity to work in different stations and different areas and gain that knowledge. I do have an interest in proactive policing - reducing crime that involves alcohol and drugs production. That’s something I’d be keen to get in to in the future.

What would you say to someone thinking of joining the police?

If you are thinking about joining the police or becoming a police officer I would definitely do your research.  Go on the website, check out what skills would be attributed to a police officer and just go for it.  Get through the process and you won’t look back. It’s a fantastic career.