Police Constable, Josh

Can you tell us about your role?

I’m a Police Constable on the District Policing Team at Newport on the Isle of Wight, responding to everything from 999 emergencies to 101 calls. That can mean dealing with offenders one moment and supporting vulnerable people the next, no two jobs are ever the same.

What does a typical day look like?

A typical day shift starts with me arriving at the station around 06:30, giving the night shift a well‑earned handover. We have our briefing at 07:00, then I work through the jobs already on my account while responding to new incidents coming in through the Contact Management Platform from 999 and 101 calls. Before finishing for the day, I make sure all my jobs are properly recorded and complete any remaining admin so everything is up to date.

What skills do you need?

Communication is vital – you may need to switch between being calm, assertive, reassuring, or in control depending on the situation. Teamwork and multitasking are also essential. Your shift becomes like a family, and you rely on each other in high‑pressure, sometimes lifesaving moments.

What’s the best part of the job?

I love the proactive work, from stop searches to warrants – especially when it leads to big results. But nothing beats helping victims and hearing that you’ve made a real difference. Having a brilliant team around you makes the job even better.

What’s it like working on the Isle of Wight?

I’ve lived on the Isle of Wight for most of my life, and since starting in mid‑2024 I’ve been based in Newport. It’s a fantastic place to work, and I feel genuinely proud to police the community I grew up in. The Island gives you such a mix of incidents – you never know what you’re heading to next. It can be challenging at times, especially when resources are stretched and we can’t call on extra officers as easily as the mainland, but I always remind myself to focus on what I can do. Give your best to every job, stay grounded, and never take any task for granted.

How do you unwind outside of work?

I’m lucky to have a great support network of friends and family who I can talk to whenever I need to. One of my closest mates works on another shift on the Island, and chatting with him really helps because we both understand the highs and lows of policing. I enjoy keeping active with football and darts, and I love going for drives to take in the Island’s amazing viewpoints. I also really value spending time with my shift it’s a brilliant way to unwind and debrief after a busy week, especially when the set has felt longer than it is.

What advice would you give someone thinking of joining the police?

Keep going, even if you don’t get in first time. This job is an honour and an incredible opportunity to help people. It’s tough at times, so always speak up if you’re struggling – no one expects you to know everything. I joined at 19, and age doesn’t matter; what matters is your attitude. Policing gives you experiences and memories you won’t find anywhere else, and with so many different teams and roles, there’s always room to grow.

For our current vacancies visit our vacancy page All Hampshire Constabulary Jobs, or if you have any questions, please contact police.recruitment@hampshire.police.uk and we would be happy to help. Alternatively, please call us on 023 8045 1611.