Meet PS Nicola Nawaz

What motivated you to join Northamptonshire Police?

I was always interested in joining one of the emergency services, and then an opportunity came up to join the police cadets when I was a teenager. As soon as I joined the cadets I knew that policing was for me! I enjoyed the discipline of the organisation and the wide range of roles that were available.

How has being a police officer at Northamptonshire Police impacted you?

Becoming a police officer has made me a lot more confident as a person. I have improved on so many skills like listening and communication and have learnt how to become more assertive – which definitely helps in the role!

How do you balance your career and your family commitments?

Since becoming a mother, I have returned to work 3 days a week, so I feel that I have the perfect work-life balance. I get to spend lots of time at home with my son whilst still being able to focus on my career. Northamptonshire Police have been very flexible with my hours and have adjusted my shift patterns to suit my needs.

What achievement are you most proud of?

Whilst I was pregnant with my son I passed my Sergeants exam, and then, upon returning to work, I passed the next stage of the promotion process which was my interview. I have now started the last stage of the process, which is a Level 4 qualification in Police First Line Management. I am proud that I have managed to pass the exam and interview whilst juggling pregnancy/a young child and returning to work after being off for so long on maternity leave.

What is the most rewarding aspect of your job?

There are many aspects of the job that I find incredibly rewarding but being able to help people by getting the right results for them and knowing that I am playing a part in making the local area a safer place to live is one of the best parts. Being able to support the most vulnerable in society by  detecting and preventing crime in the local community is incredibly satisfying.

What is an average day like for you?

I’m currently the sergeant of a Neighbourhood Policing Team and I mainly deal with solving long-term problems in the community.

I will attend meetings in my local area with members of the community and partners to try and tackle crime and longer-term issues that are causing concern.

As a Sergeant I am also managing my team. I am often reviewing crimes, giving advice to my officers, or providing support in terms of their welfare.

What are the different types of jobs you’ve had to deal with?

Over my 7 years as a police officer, I’ve attended and investigated almost all the jobs you could think of; drug warrants, child abuse investigations, antisocial behaviour, mental health incidents, road traffic collisions, attempted murder. Although most of the jobs that we attend are incredibly serious, there are the more light-hearted and unusual jobs, including a lost lamb in someone’s front garden!

What are your goals for the future?

In the near future, I would like to pass my qualification in Police First Line Management and continue to develop as a Sergeant.

Longer term, I would like to sit my Detective’s exam and become a qualified Detective Sergeant.

How were you supported throughout the promotion process?

During the Sergeant’s promotion process, I received mentoring from a Superintendent in preparation for the exam and interview which was really helpful. I also received support from the Positive Action team and staff support networks and was given 3 days of study leave to help me prepare.

Externally, I was able to receive mentoring from a retired police Inspector through a recruitment program who helped me prepare for the exam.

What department have you worked in throughout your career?

During my time with Northamptonshire Police, I have worked as a response officer, in the Online Child Abuse Investigation Unit, and in a Neighbourhood Policing Team.

What would you say to someone who is considering joining Northamptonshire Police?

Do it! It’s a challenging but rewarding job and everyday is different. There are always new opportunities to take advantage of as there are so many different departments to work in. Each one requires a slightly different skillset so you’re constantly learning and growing as a police officer, and as a person.

Interested in becoming a police officer?

If PS Nawaz's story has made you interested in becoming a police officer or you want to find out more, take a look at what it takes to join us or view all our current vacancies.