Role: District Commander
Company: PSNI
Track Record: During her 18 years with the PSNI Superintendent Emma Bond has enjoyed an interesting and varied career.
HOW I BECAME A DISTRICT COMMANDER SUPERINTENDENT
Give a brief outline of your career to date.
I have been in the PSNI for 18 years and currently serve as a District Commander in the Antrim and Newtownabbey area. I am also the Service Lead for Hate Crime and work in partnership with other districts, the Department of Justice, and other partners to improve confidence and reporting levels in relation to hate crime and supporting victims.
Prior to my current position I have had roles in Policing with the Community Branch, Tactical Support Group, Partnership Policing – working with internal and external partners to problem solve issues such as anti-social behaviour – and was also involved in the project team who worked to develop the new district policing structures.
I was part of the accelerated promotion scheme for graduates which meant I was able to go for promotions as soon as I was eligible to.
Moving up through the ranks in this way means I have experienced many new and different opportunities and enjoyed an incredibly varied career.
What was your favourite subject at school?
French. I even won a prize for my language skills.
Did you go on to further/higher education, if so what did you study and where?
I studied Radiography at the University of Ulster, Jordanstown campus but after graduating in July 1999 I then joined PSNI a month later so never formally practiced as a Radiographer.
How did you get into your area of work?
Well my sister was already in the police so I suppose there was a natural interest and on some level I’d always wanted to do it. The PSNI happened to be advertising at the same time as my finals so I thought I’d give it a go and see what happened and I’ve no regrets.
While I enjoyed radiography I really love being out in the community, meeting new people and not knowing what the next day is going to bring.
Were there any particular essential qualifications or experience needed?
I had to meet the basic entry requirements when first applying and I have had specific training along the way for the specialist roles I’ve held.
What are the main personal skills your job requires?
Communication and the ability to speak to people is key to being a good police officer. Talking and listening skills are vital in this job.
You don’t necessarily need to be physically strong in all the roles in PSNI but you do need common sense, and empathy – you need to be able to put yourself in the shoes of the person you are dealing with.
What are the best and most challenging aspects of the job?
The best is definitely the opportunity to meet new people, being able to see the difference our work makes in people’s lives and working as part of a team. So much of what is newsworthy involves the police – we are involved in stuff that locally has a huge impact. I love hearing the feedback about our staff and what a great job they are doing.
The most challenging aspect is just keeping the wheels turning. We have fewer people and less money yet demand on the service is always high so despite all this, we still have an important job to do.
Ensuring staff feel valued for the work they are doing is also important.
What advice would you give anyone looking to follow a similar career path?
Go for it! It’s not always what it looks like on the TV, but a career in the PSNI is incredibly rewarding.
Yes it’s demanding which may mean on occasion making compromises or sacrifices with your personal time but it is a very fulfilling career.
We are a diverse organisation with a multitude of roles available and even though the organisation is smaller than it once was the opportunities for career progression are there.
If you weren’t doing this what would you like to do?
I would probably be a Radiographer. I enjoy working with people in a caring role and being able to give something back.
What is the one piece of advice that you would give to yourself on your first day?
Enjoy it! It passes far too quickly, the past 18 years have flown in. I’d also cut myself some slack. I created these expectations of always having to succeed but the best approach is to take things in your stride and be thankful that you have a secure job and the opportunity to meet and work with great people.
Describe your ideal day off.
A lie-in, then brunch with mum and dad, then I’d collect my niece and nephews from school, followed by a lazy evening in front of the TV or surfing the net. No chores or anything that over stimulates my brain!
PSNI are currently recruiting for Constables. For more information please visit: www.nijobfinder.co.uk/browse/the-police-service-of-northern-ireland-jobs/