Simon Fraser

Degree: MSc Terrorism, Security and Policing

Year of Graduation: 2011

I am currently a Police Constable for Leicestershire Constabulary.

After my initial BA in Criminology sparked my interest in investigating crime, I joined the Special Constabulary and after three years and a promotion to Special Sergeant I successfully applied to the regular Constabulary.

Initially I applied for my BA in Criminology due to my interest in Psychology, however I thought enrolling in the MSc Terrorism, Security and Policing course would allow me to develop myself within a highly competitive sector of work and academic study. The course itself is incredibly specialised and the University of Leicester is the only University to my knowledge that can provide such a course to the sufficient standard that I wanted.

My particular course managed to give me a broad range of analytical skills, as well as a specialised insight into the world of crime and terrorism that would be unavailable anywhere else. I was able to combine the knowledge I gained here with my experience in the Special Constabulary to further develop myself.

Personally, the four years I spent at the University of Leicester have been the best four years of my life. I felt I have developed as a person, been given chance to grow, provided with a wealth of opportunities and gained the ambition and inspiration, which without I wouldn’t be where I am today. If it wasn’t for a career’s fair that was coordinated by the University of Leicester, it is likely I wouldn’t have met a certain recruiting officer, wouldn’t have joined the Special Constabulary and therefore wouldn’t have joined the Police Regulars.

In the future I plan to further myself within Leicestershire Constabulary, however with the wealth of opportunities that a career in the Police provides, I am yet to decide on a specific career path.  However I know wherever my career, or life in general takes me I want to be able to make a difference.

To anyone considering taking a similar career route, I would recommended studying hard, but also broadening your horizon’s beyond University itself. It is true you don’t need a degree to be a Police Officer- some of the finest officers I know do not have one- however it’s up to you to utilise the wealth of knowledge that University can give you. I would also recommend joining the Special Constabulary, purely for the experience, developmental opportunities and chance to contribute to your wider community from a challenging role.