Career Profile Detective Sergeant Gerard Pollock
Why did you choose to join the police?
I wanted a job that wouldn’t be the same every day - a role that I would enjoy but which wouldn’t involve being in an office all day. When I joined the PSNI in 2004, there was a real sense that the Service was evolving and that in becoming a police officer you could play an active role in making a real difference.
What were the most important factors when you made this choice?
The Police Service is a diverse organisation and therefore offers countless opportunities. For me, the most appealing aspect was the opportunity to affect people’s lives in a very individual way that can have a lasting effect. Although you may only spend fifteen minutes with a person, it’s often when they need help most, and they truly appreciate assistance. The fact that the Service also offers job security coupled with structured development and promotion also influenced my decision.
How did you find the initial training?
The training programme lasts for around twenty weeks and covers a range of topics, from human rights, to law on crimes and evidence. It was challenging, but the tutors are very supportive and offer guidance as required. Of course you also have moral support from your fellow colleagues. Initially, I was concerned about the physical training and whether or not my fitness level would be sufficient. However, there is a structured programme to ensure you have achieved the appropriate level of fitness for the final physical assessment.
To mark the end of the initial training there is a ‘passing out parade’. Family and loved ones are invited to attend and they can watch as you march past in your final parade - it’s a very satisfying feeling.
You then embark on a three-month operational training period, which covers areas such as firearms, driving and first aid. The aim of this is to prepare you to become operational in your first station. For me, this was the part that I enjoyed the most.
The training doesn’t stop there though. When you reach your first station you are assigned an experienced officer, to help you through the first ten weeks.
What was your first operational role like?
In my first station I was a uniform response officer, this involved responding to calls from the public for assistance. The response team are normally the first to arrive at incidents and can encounter challenging situations, from road traffic collisions to victims of assault. The fact that you can take immediate action in such circumstances with a view to protecting victims really does mean that you can make a difference.
This wasn’t an easy role - although a driving factor is the sense of achievement that you have at the end of a busy shift.
What does your current job involve?
I am currently a Detective Sergeant in the Criminal Investigation Department in Lurgan, which also covers Banbridge and Craigavon. I start work between 8.00am and 9.00am by reviewing police calls received the previous day, to ensure I’m fully aware of what is happening in the District.
There is a morning team briefing at 9.30am. Progress and updates on various cases are provided and this plays a key part in the process of furthering crime investigations. My team also have to prepare prosecution files for the Public Prosecution Service, which can be a very time consuming process. Shift work is also required, if I’m working the late shift, I have a later start but I may remain on call for the district during the night.
Have you worked in Headquarters?
I spent some time working in the Policing with the Community Branch. Policing with the Community Branch is responsible for implementing neighbourhood policing across the Service, planning for the introduction of Police Community Support Officers, and recognising officers who make a difference to their communities – all of this with only four staff!
Part of my role was to visit districts, tell officers about developments in the area of neighbourhood policing and help them enhance neighbourhood policing to benefit the wider community. Often Headquarters is perceived as remote but this was not the case – we were changing how front line policing would be delivered.
I have also worked with Assistant Chief Constable Finlay, and latterly Assistant Chief Constable Jones in the Crime Support Department, looking at all the legacy issues from 1968 onwards. It was an immense task, encompassing over 4,000 unsolved murders, five public inquiries, and was the subject of intense scrutiny from both the public and politicians.
As Staff Officer to the Assistant Chief Constable, this Headquarters role was varied. A typical day may have involved everything from drafting responses to parliamentary questions right through to organising briefing sessions or public meetings in conjunction with the Northern Ireland Policing Board. We also visited the districts so that the Assistant Chief Constable could talk to frontline officers, get a feel for their work and discuss any associated issues.
Is the job what you expected? Are you glad you joined?
I never thought one organisation could offer such a variety of roles or opportunities. I have been very fortunate to gain experience in the number of roles that I have. I’m glad I joined. I’ve really enjoyed my career so far and I’ve met lots of interesting people and made some very good friends.
How do you see you career developing?
In the future I would consider taking a secondment to a police service in England or Europe. There are lots of opportunities and I hope to sit further promotion exams.
