A trainee teacher turned rookie police officer has become the face of a force’s latest recruitment drive.

Emily Laws, from Gateshead, always felt she was suited to a career where no two days are the same.

Having studied sports coaching at university she knew she wanted a hands-on job, but, despite having an interest in policing, she, instead, turned to teaching.

When Durham Police launched a new round of recruitment, however, she took it as the trigger to revert to her initial goal and applied.

Read more: Officer recruitment ‘on track’, policing minister insists

Having made three efforts to get into policing, her persistence paid off and the 25-year-old trainee officer was taken on by the Durham force.

“I’ve always wanted to do it but when I was younger I went into sports instead and when it came up again and I just went for it,” she said.

“Saying that, it took me three attempts to get in because there’s such high standards.

“I had been accepted to another regional force but knew I wanted Durham.”

She began her training on the police Degree Holder Entry Programme earlier this year.

During the whole job-seeking saga she was also diagnosed with ADHD, which she was initially worried would prove a hindrance to her job prospects, but she praised the force for backing her thoughout the process.

Read more: Durham Police launch recruitment drive for constables

“They’ve been so supportive, especially in this job when things can get overwhelming.

“I always need to be doing stuff but, in that way, policing is perfect for me.”

She said this was particularly the case working in an incident response role.

Ms Laws, is now becoming familiar with her posting to Peterlee E Relief Response team and said she was loving it so far, never knowing what each incident will bring but always knowing she can help people and make a difference.

She also encouraged others, particularly those with neurodiverse conditions, to apply.

“Don’t feel like you cannot do it just because you’re neurodiverse.

“There’s lots of support, everyone is there to support you,” she said.

“If you don’t get in first time, try, try again.

“It’s about perseverance to do a job you love.”

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She described the role, so far, as, “supportive, empowering and inspiring”.

For anyone believing they could be the next PC Laws, the pathway could be open thanks to the latest police officer recruitment process.

Further information is available via, https://www.durham.police.uk/Recruitment/Police-Officers/Become-a-police-constable-with-Durham-Constabulary.aspx, the force’s website recruitment section.