PSNI officers share personal experiences in new podcast on diversity in policing
Three serving police officers have shared their personal experiences of joining the Police Service of Northern Ireland as part of a new podcast exploring diversity and representation within policing.
The latest episode of PSNI Beyond the Badge, released on Wednesday 21 October, examines how the organisation is working to become more representative of the communities it serves.
The discussion includes experiences relating to religious background, gender, sexuality and domestic abuse.
The episode is the third instalment of a ten-part series designed to give listeners an insight into the people working behind the police uniform.
West Belfast officer discusses journey into policing
Superintendent Brendan Green, the Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon District Commander and chair of the Catholic Police Guild, discusses growing up in west Belfast.
He explains how his parents encouraged him to pursue a career in policing and become part of positive change within his community.
Superintendent Green acknowledges that negative attitudes towards policing remain in some sections of society.
He believes greater encouragement from communities could help young people consider policing as a career and bring different perspectives into the organisation.
Domestic abuse survivor explains motivation for joining PSNI
Neighbourhood Inspector Róisín Brown also shares her personal experiences during the podcast.
She explains that she, her sisters and her mother experienced domestic abuse, which influenced her ambition to help other women facing similar circumstances.
Inspector Brown has served in policing for approximately 20 years.
She believes her personal experiences have helped her develop empathy and understanding when supporting people during difficult situations.
The episode also highlights the importance of encouraging more women to consider careers in policing.
According to the PSNI, women currently account for approximately 29% of its personnel.
LGBT+ representation and public confidence
Detective Inspector Rebecca Hedley, who works within the PSNI’s Operational Support Department, discusses representation from the perspective of the organisation’s LGBT+ Network.
As one of the network’s co-chairs, she believes that having officers from different backgrounds can strengthen public confidence.
She explains that people should feel comfortable approaching police for assistance, regardless of their personal circumstances or background.
The discussion also considers how greater representation could encourage people from underrepresented communities to pursue careers within the service.
Chief Constable calls for greater diversity
Chief Constable Jon Boutcher said he wants the PSNI to reflect the communities it serves and to be recognised as an attractive employer.
He highlighted the personal experiences shared by the three officers and said their backgrounds had influenced their policing careers.
The Chief Constable also referred to the recent launch of student officer and staff recruitment campaigns.
He encouraged people from different backgrounds to consider joining the organisation.
Where to listen to Beyond the Badge
The ten-part Beyond the Badge series is hosted by Lata Sharma.
Each episode features conversations with police officers and staff about their experiences, the challenges of modern policing and the communities they serve.
The third episode, focusing on representation, is available through the PSNI Beyond the Badge podcast platform.
Further information about careers with the PSNI is available through its recruitment website.
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