Police constable — Ellen Worden

While studying her Masters degree at the University of Leeds, Ellen applied for the Police Now programme and now works as a dedicated ward officer in the Safer Neighbourhoods Team for the Metropolitan Police Service

What degree did you study and where?

I did my undergraduate degree in politics and political economy at Leeds Beckett University. While studying, I volunteered as an NHS responder during the COVID-19 pandemic. This experience started my passion for public service. I became a companion to isolated elderly individuals, providing them with weekly calls, grocery shopping assistance, and prescription pickups.

After graduating, I enrolled in the International Journalism MA at the University of Leeds. During this course, I discovered and applied for the Police Now programme.

What do you enjoy most about your role?

I love this role because it allows me to make a positive impact on the community by proactively helping people from start to finish. It also offers me a great deal of freedom and the chance to meet new people, which makes it truly rewarding.

How does your degree relate to your career in policing?

My degree gave me a strong foundation in social science and demographics that I use every day in my police work. It also helps me stay informed about current affairs, which is crucial for understanding the situations I encounter. This knowledge is especially valuable when policing events like the Palestine protests or managing crowds during elections.

I also refined my writing skills while at university. This has proved priceless when writing crime reports and completing paperwork.

Finally, I developed my public speaking skills, which I use daily when interacting with victims, suspects, informants, and colleagues.

How has your career progressed since completing the programme?

I just passed my Level 2 Public Order training, which means I'm qualified to handle high-risk events like riots and football matches.

What opportunities have you had while on the programme?

I've had the privilege of engaging in walk-and-talk sessions with politicians like Emily Thornberry, and even witnessed the King wave at me while policing the coronation procession down Constitution Hill.

I participated in an all-female police detail for the high-profile Arsenal vs. Tottenham women's football match.

I've worked on an operation that successfully tackled gang-related anti-social behaviour in the community, and I led two successful drug warrants, disrupting drug supply networks within the community.

What advice would you give to someone who is thinking of applying?

Persevering is key. This job might be tough, but it's also incredibly rewarding. You'll see yourself grow in confidence and witness the positive impact you have on the community.  You need to believe in yourself.

Find out more

• Explore the role of a police officer.
• Discover how to join the police.
• Consider Police Now's National Graduate Leadership Programme.