May 26, 2015, by Kirsty McKeown

In The Hotseat: PC Michael Wearmouth, British Transport Police

Read on for the latest instalment in our In The Hotseat series, with PC Michael Wearmouth from British Transport Police telling us about his role and experiences here in the East Midlands!

Tell us a little bit about your job

I am a police officer for the British Transport Police, a specialist police force that police the national railway network including the London Underground and some of the UK tram systems.  I am a response police officer covering the East Midlands, with police stations at Nottingham, Derby and Leicester.  I answer emergency calls for assistance, conduct investigations and resolve incidents.

I am the East Midlands lead for youth engagement and social media, conducting meetings and attending schools and further education establishments educating young people around the potential dangers of the railway and keeping themselves and their possessions safe.  Social media is a new part of my role which includes utilising the @btpeastmids Twitter account, follow us if you would like to see the type of work we are doing via Twitter!

How do you work with students?

I am creating new partnerships with universities including the University of Nottingham aiming to keep students safe when using the rail network, including travelling home or visiting friends.  Over the next year I will be visiting the University to educate students around keeping their possessions safe and highlighting the new Report it Stop it campaign, a confidential reporting service.

I will also be speaking to students about career opportunities in the British Transport Police including the new fast track scheme which is very similar to graduate programmes within private organisations and the student specific special constabulary recruitment.  Becoming a special constable is a valuable way of gaining lots of experience and adds a great amount to your CV.  One huge benefit of becoming a special with our force is that you can work all over the country so when you move home for the summer you could work shifts within that area as well!

What’s your favourite part of the job?

My favourite part of my job is the endless possibilities that every day brings.  One day I might be dealing with a vulnerable person who needs our assistance, the next travelling down to London to assist with policing of football supporters.  A career within the British Transport Police is limitless and can lead to a vast career experiencing numerous different roles from neighbourhood policing to specialist posts such as firearms officers.

What jobs have you done before?

Before joining the British Transport Police I worked as a behaviour assistant within a school, working with young people with behavioural issues.  This experience gave me a great background in how to support young people.  I also worked for a safari company in Africa gaining experience of working with people from a number of different backgrounds.

What do you get up to in your spare time?

During my spare time I like to play and coach rugby whenever shift work allows.  I like biking, swimming and playing tennis, keeping my fitness is very important for my role as I can’t let people get away from me on foot chases! I have enjoyed being a school governor helping to give the best possible education to young people and I am currently looking for a new opening within my local schools.

What’s my best memory been in the Police?

I have been very lucky in my career and have been able to police in different areas including central London, which although busy was an enjoyable experience.  My best memory so far has been policing the 2012 Para-Olympic and Olympic Games, the best and most exciting sporting event I have ever seen in this country.

If you have any questions about the British Transport Police, the work we do with students or career options please don’t hesitate to contact me on Michael.wearmouth@btp.pnn.police.uk or via Twitter on @btpeastmids.  Or have a look at the British Transport Police website for more information on the force as a whole http://www.btp.police.uk/

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