Police Constable Yasmin Ocampo
I love the variety of the job. One day I can be chasing suspects on the street. The next I can be helping in the community.
PC Yasmin Ocampo is a new recruit with Lancashire Police. She talks to us about what motivated her to join the police, how she feels she’s made a difference and what the future holds for her policing career.
Tell us a bit about your background
My background was very different, actually. I studied maths and statistics at university, and so I dabbled with a few data jobs for a bit. But I got bored of just being office based. I wanted something that I was more passionate about.
What entry route did you apply through?
I applied through a graduate scheme and you go straight into a neighbourhood after you've completed your training. In neighbourhood policing, we’re more about problem solving and getting to know the community – going out on foot patrol and stuff like that.
How did you find the application process – was it what you expected?
It was straightforward, although there's quite a long interim period in between each section, because in this type of job, they need to make sure that you’re the right fit. But I was supported throughout the process and was always kept up to date on when the next thing was coming. So, it can feel long but it's worth it.
The fitness test – was it easier or harder than you expected?
I think it was easier. It's more of a mind game. I think if you have your mind set in the right place, then it's OK. You can make your body run. That's why I thought it wasn’t too bad in the end.
Did you do any training or preparation for it?
I tried to go out on a few runs when I could – I probably should have done some more. We have to do the fitness tests every year, so I try to go out on a few jogs beforehand. But I know some people actually set up the test in their garden or in a park. And, you can download the bleep test as an app on your phone, so lots of people do train for it that way.
How have you found your training overall? What parts have you enjoyed most?
You don't expect to be trained in, say, self-defence when you start your career, but that's obviously an important part of the police. It's quite extensive and you learn a lot in a short period of time. I love learning and really enjoyed getting to do new things. One of my favourites was definitely the blue lights course, It's really fun!
What do you enjoy most about your job now?
I love the variety of the job. I love the fact that one day I can be chasing suspects on the street. The next day I can just be helping in the community. I can go into schools and educate children. And there are so many different things you can do and make it your own with what your strengths are and what you enjoy doing. You can really mould it into the career and the kind of job that you want it to be.
How do you feel you’re making a difference?
I think it's important in a job like the police to take note of the small differences, because I think some of us come in and want to change the world, and that is often harder than we first think. But I love making the small differences. I love helping people, even just stopping and talking to people on the street. Or giving victims the care and support they need and going that extra mile. I think it's the small things that make a real difference.
What do your friends and family think about your career choice?
Initially, my dad was a bit apprehensive about me joining the police. I think he was concerned about my safety, which is understandable. And my two younger sisters weren't particularly happy about it. I don't think they had the best view of the police. However, honestly, me joining has changed their perception, and I think they understand why people like me need to join. They understand that more people are joining that they think have more of a positive impact. So, there was a little bit of apprehension, but I think they're really proud of me now.
How do you see your career in policing progressing?
Policing isn’t an ordinary day job, there's a lot of variety, including where you can go next. There are so many different roles. You can specialise in loads and loads of different areas.
I'm probably at the stage where I'm still working out what I want to do, but I love being in that position. I love having all these opportunities and seeing what's next.
Explore other serving officers’ stories on why they joined the force and what policing means to them.