PC Akeem Griffiths and PC Samson Akinnawo, two officers who feature in the latest Met PC recruitment ads give their account of what it’s like to be an officer in London’s Met.
1. What is your day-to-day like as a police officer?
Akeem: I’m on the Lewisham response team, which means dealing with any call that comes through, so whether that’s dealing with a sudden death or a domestic incident we have to be ready to attend any call. I also attend level 2 public order events, for example anything to do with Just Stop Oil or other organised protests. We make sure any organised protest is managed effectively, so that people are able to protest in a peaceful but compliant way whilst being mindful that there are other members of the public going about their daily business or traffic flow that we need to manage.
Samson: Currently I am part of a safer neighbourhood’s team, which is mainly based on community engagement and issues that can be dealt with slow time. Usually will go into the office get up to speed with what is happening in the borough and area I work in. We then look at reports that have come in from the night before concerning anti-social behaviour, and visit some of the people that have been involved or in some of the hotspots. It is different every day; sometimes we do reassurance visits to people that have been victims of crime and chat with them and make sure they are ok. Sometimes you might have a report that a group are in a specific area and we have to go there and move them on or if you have grounds to, we make arrests.
2. What is the most rewarding aspect of your job?
Akeem: Going home at night knowing I have given it my best, that I’ve tried my absolute best. If I have done everything and helped a victim as much as I can, although as an officer you might not get the response you hoped for, I am still happy and can sleep at night.
Samson: Helping victims and seeing the smile on their face after you have helped them, knowing that you have gone to work and you’ve always constantly tried to do the right thing for the public.
3. What inspired you to become a police officer?
Akeem: When I used to live in Wales there was always a large presence of police officers, which made me feel comfortable and safe, but whenever I would visit London, it felt like I didn’t see as many police because it is a much bigger place. It motivated me to make people who live, work or visit London feel safe the way i felt safe growing up in Wales. My drive is to protect and serve Londoners.
Samson: From a young age, I have always wanted to be a police officer. I was always fascinated by police programmes and police cars when they drove by. I like helping people and I want people to look at me and see a change – if he can be a police officer then I can be one too. I say that because I wasn’t the model child in school, I was not the best behaved student and thought if I can change my life around anyone can. My teachers would never predict that I would be a police officer so if I can do it anyone can do it.
4. Having decided to become a police officer, have you had to overcome any significant barriers?
Akeem: I was the first person in my entire family to join the police. My mother was concerned about me being an officer, particularly in London as she was worried it was dangerous, so it was a challenge to reassure her over those reservations. As an officer in the Met I feel very safe and supported by other officers. Although we might attend dangerous situations, I know that if I ever I needed help, if I press my emergency back-up button someone is going to be there to help me almost immediately, within minutes.
Samson: In terms of personal barriers, sometimes when I go to places I get a reaction from people of my community calling me names. I say to them if you want a change then this is the first step to change. Having people that look like the community in the police. What would you rather see? Police officers that all look the same or would you rather see police officers that look like the community that we serve?
5. How have you seen the Met change?
Akeem: During my two years of service, we are definitely more diverse and more transparent. Irrespective of what background you are from or where you were born, everyone is treated the same and are offered the same opportunities. Ultimately as long as you are motivated and determined then you will get levels of respect and opportunities that you deserve as a police officer.
Samson: I had heard about some people’s perception of the Met but personally I haven’t experienced what I have heard. In terms of the Met, I feel everyone is treated fairly, in every team I have worked in I have always felt like I’m part of a family.
6. What is one skill you have developed becoming a police officer that might surprise people?
Akeem: It might surprise people that know me but I’m a lot more empathetic! Not that I wasn’t previously, but I hadn’t been in situations where I had needed to show much empathy. My more empathetic side has definitely come out and I have had to take a step back and give families, respect and the time to reflect in certain situations.
Samson: My ability to stay calm in very irate and stressful situations. My family and friends 8-9 years ago would have said I am very hot headed but that doesn’t come out at work or my personal life. I have learnt the ability to stay calm and think about the victims and suspects. Communication is also key, speaking to people from different cultures, different ages and sexes. I learnt that skill from my old my old job as a prison officer and have been able to relate to all different types of people.