Navigating Careers with Maths: Insights from a Police Sergeant's Journey

(This is part of a series on maths in adult life. To see others click here.)

Introduction

In this interview series exploring the significance of mathematics in adult life, we delve into the career of a Police Sergeant. Transitioning from retail management to law enforcement, Graham Holmes shares insights on their educational journey, the critical role of maths in their professional duties, and valuable advice for those who find mathematics challenging. This interview highlights how a solid grasp of mathematical concepts can open doors and provide essential skills for diverse career paths.

Danielle: What is your job title?

Graham: Police Sergeant

Danielle: Can you outline your education and career path?

Graham: After my GCSE’s at secondary school I went on to do a digital electronics C&G level 3 (A level equivalent).

My first full time career was in retail management before joining the police service age 27. I was promoted to Sergeant after 6 years service and have retained that rank since. I’ve done a number of posts including response constable, neighbourhood police sergeant, custody officer and I’m currently a leadership training sergeant.

Danielle: How did you find maths at school?

Graham: I wasn’t a particularly focused pupil in school and was often described by my teachers as underachieving and more interested in socialising than applying myself to my lessons. Fortunately I did enough to obtain the grades required to qualify for the college course I wanted and discovered that school training methods didn’t meet my particular learning preferences. My college courses were much more practical in nature and I performed well achieving all three available levels of City and Guilds. This level of qualification would eventually enable me to obtain a career in policing.

Danielle: What was your attitude to study? Did you see how you might need it in the future?

Graham: Once I started at college I quickly realised the next stage of life was in the work place and that I would need a competitive level of education to compete with others starting their own career path. This realisation coupled with a new found enthusiasm for more practical based learning gave me a sharper focus towards studying.

Danielle: Did you have any struggles?

Graham: Certainly at school. I lacked motivation and as a result focus. I also wasn’t mature enough to appreciate the importance of my education. Traditional teaching styles didn’t help change this, which I often found frustrating.

Danielle: Where have you found that you needed maths, in life or in your career?

Graham: Maths played a big role in my further education studies (digital electronics). My eventual career in policing has always required a significant grasp of maths. Examples include investigating complex frauds, PACE legislation around periods of detention, calculating crime reduction figures and statistics and evaluating training needs figures, to name a few.

Danielle: How has a good understanding of maths helped you in your current role?

Graham: Significantly. I was required to pass a maths test as part of the recruitment process so wouldn’t have ever made it to the interview board without an understanding of maths.

Danielle: Is there anything else you would like to share with aspiring maths students or those who find maths tricky?

Graham: I’ve been both a student and I am now a qualified adult educator. Reflecting on my own experience as a school pupil I wish I’d understood the concept of different training methods. Try to find a method that clicks for you. Maths plays such a significant part of everyday life, from managing a household, general everyday financing and will undoubtedly play some part in what ever you choose as a career path.

Conclusion

The journey from a disengaged student to a dedicated Police Sergeant underscores the transformative power of education and the practical importance of mathematics in professional life. Through perseverance and the discovery of effective learning methods, our interviewee has demonstrated that maths is not just a subject confined to the classroom but a vital tool in various aspects of life and career. For those grappling with mathematical concepts, this story serves as an inspiring reminder to find learning methods that resonate personally and recognise the enduring value of maths in achieving one's career aspirations.

(This is part of a series on maths in adult life. To see others click here.)