From a nursery co-manager to police officer

I have changed my career and moved hundreds of miles to become a police officer with Bedfordshire Police, but the gamble has paid off.

I have been working in children’s nurseries previously for nine years, after I started as an apprentice at the age of 17 and worked my way up to become nursery co-manager. Then, after reaching where I wanted to and gathering a wide range of life experiences, the time was right to apply for the police and kick-start my new career. I’d thought about applying for a number of years, as the police has always been an attractive career option for me, as I consider my working style hands on and practical, with a caring aspect.

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“Police career is what you make of it”

PC Esther Carroll joined Bedfordshire Police in 2002 and has committed her policing career to protecting vulnerable victims of domestic abuse, honour based violence, forced marriage and female genital mutilation. She has received two Chief Constable’s Commendations for her Forced Marriage investigations and a ‘True Honour’ award by the Iranian and Kurdish Women’s Right Organisation.

Esther is retiring this month and she took some time to reflect on her incredible career and contribution to the force.

Before I joined the police I tried a number of career paths, Although they weren’t what I was looking for in my life, the experience definitely helped me with being the best police officer I can be.

15 months ago I didn’t even own a bike, now I’m gearing up to cycle 200 miles for charity

15 months ago I didn’t own a bike, and I said I’d do the Unity Tour last year thinking it would be a breeze.

It was the hardest thing I’ve ever done, but here I am again ready to take on the challenge… Now I’m nervous because at least last year I didn’t know what was coming! But I know what to expect now.