In our policing feature, we hear from some of the officers on your local teams.

This week we hear from DS Jenny White, who is with the Met's South East Command Unit:

What were you doing before you joined the police?

I gained a degree in criminology and worked in rehabilitation in prisons. This meant helping offenders, who were due to be released, prepare for life on the outside. After that I applied to join the police and went travelling around Africa. I got a call from my mum when I was in Victoria Falls and she told me to get on a plane, because I was starting my training in two weeks - I did and I’ve been with the Met ever since.

Why did you join the police?

I always knew I wanted to be a police officer because I’m fascinated by crime and the justice system. I wanted a long term job which could keep me interested and, since I’ve started, there’s never been a day where it’s felt like a job. There’s a sense that you’re doing a good thing and you’re stopping people doing bad things to others.

Meet your local Met Police team: PC Anna Parsons

News Shopper:

What’s it like being a detective?

You do end up questioning everything! When I joined we were still using ink for fingerprints, so technology has really helped detective work as there is so much more potential evidence. The best investigations are when you have a lead and you suddenly uncover something, and then one door opens, and it leads you to another door, and then you follow the evidence until you find out the truth.

What makes policing stand out from other jobs?

You won’t get the sense of comradery anywhere else. You do find yourself in some intense situations, dealing with serious incidents that you could never imagine, and you build a really close bond with your team mates. These are people you would get yourself injured for, and you’re very invested in those you work with. You make lifelong friendships with some and you become part of each other’s lives. When I married my wife, my team did a guard of honour for us at our ceremony which was so nice of them. I can’t imagine that kind of closeness amongst teams in many other jobs.

Meet your local Met Police team: PC Iain Thomson

News Shopper: Met Police will be out in force across London to enforce the new third Covid-19 lockdown. PA Images

What would you say to someone who is thinking about joining?

Don’t join just because you want to drive fast cars or look the part, and never underestimate the amount of paperwork! Do it because you want to be the person who turns up to a burglary, or a rape, and get justice for that victim. Remember this is not an easy role, but if you genuinely want to do a good job for people and be first on scene to help, you’ll love it.