A career with The X Factor!

Diana Vickers (no, not The X Factor semi-finalist) was struggling to find fulfilment in her previous role with a recruitment company when an incident close to home made her think it was time to find a career where she could make a difference to the community.

"There were a couple of drug-related incidents that caused me to be concerned and when something hits close to home, you have to do everything you can to help," said Diana, 35. "I felt I could make a difference, protect my daughter and others, so I felt it was my duty to do something."

She applied to become a police officer with Hertfordshire Constabulary last autumn, having been supported by the Positive Action recruitment team through the selection process, and started training in May on our degree apprenticeship course, passing out from initial training on Thursday 6 October.

"The training has been hard; I'm not going to lie," Diana said. "But it helps that I have a really supportive partner and daughter."

In the long run, keen sportswoman Diana is hoping to serve in the Armed Response Unit. She wants to encourage other women to consider a policing career: "I would encourage anyone thinking of joining to do so.

"There truly is no other job like it, whilst there are many soft skills you can learn across many different roles, you cannot experience what it means to be a police officer without giving it a go.

"There are so many directions it can take you, and so many people's lives you can influence or change. What you do every day can make a difference and that is not something that should be taken lightly.

"If you want variety, ever changing environments, to make a difference, help people and be physically and mentally challenged every day, then this is the job for you."

We're currently taking applications for our police officer training courses. Don't wait for the closing date to apply, applications are processed weekly.

 If you feel inspired to become a Hertfordshire police officer, visit our police officer recruitment website at www.hertspoliceofficer.co.uk to find out how to apply and register your interest.