THREE new police officers in Bradford have spoken about their roles as the West Yorkshire force starts a recruitment drive.

PCs Jay Khan, Joshua Szpara and Siamma Khan will be on the beat in the district after passing an intensive 12-week training course and receiving their warrant cards from Temporary Deputy Chief Constable John Robins.

Their success comes as the force advertises for new recruits in a campaign that started yesterday and runs to January 22.

PC Jay Khan, who works as a neighbourhood police team (NPT) officer in Bradford East, is working alongside a tutor constable for ten weeks before going out on independent patrol and responding to incidents and serving the public, encouraged people to join.

He said: “This job is not about the money - but having a purpose in life, and having the opportunity to make a real difference to people’s lives.

“Every day is different and there is a real sense of achievement in helping people and making their communities safer places to live and work.

“The training was really good. It’s hard work but really engaging and I received lots of support from tutors and students. It’s a great career choice.”

PC Szpara said: “I have really enjoyed the training. It’s hard work but very interesting and I received lots of support from colleagues and tutors.

“I am looking forward to my local duties, helping fight crime, protecting the public, and meeting and serving the people of Bradford.

“It’s a fantastic career, no two days are the same, and I strongly recommend people to consider making it a career.”

PC Siamma Khan said: “The training is really interesting and hard work – but I received lots of support from the Force, including my fellow students and tutors. They were a great team.

“Being a police officer is a truly fantastic career, really interesting and worthwhile with no two days ever the same.

“I’m looking forward to getting established in Bradford, meeting and serving local people, and helping fight crime, and protecting the public.”

To be a police officer, applicants must be 18 or over; have an NVQ level three qualification (or equivalent) or experience as a Special Constable or PCSO; no criminal convictions (minor offences will be considered on an individual basis); pass the job-related fitness test, meet the attendance criteria and have no visible tattoos.

For more details, visit westyorkshire.police.uk/joinus.

MORE TOP STORIES