Constable Iain Blackburn
I joined Northern Constabulary in January 2007, leaving the Army
after 15 years. I’d carefully considered my future and had a very
clear plan in place for when I left the Forces, and applied to
Northern Constabulary two years before I was due to finish.
I wanted to put my skills and experiences to good use and viewed
moving into the police as a natural progression. During my career
in the Army, I spent time in the Highlands and was particularly
attracted by the quality of life the region had to offer. I also
liked the difference in policing style Northern Constabulary has
compared to an inner city force, where the focus in the Highlands
& Islands is very much on community policing, rather than just
solving crimes.
I enjoyed fantastic training at the Police College. The training
was really interesting and it was good getting to know the new
recruits from all the different forces. Whilst there I was awarded
the Baton of Honour, which is given to the best overall student
from that intake – I’m really proud of this. But the training
hasn’t stopped there. I’ve also undertaken a survival course, which
teaches you how to rescue people stuck in snow, and the techniques
you’ll need if you find yourself stranded in bad weather. And I’ve
done a driving course, which was challenging and intensive and has
made me a much better driver.
I’m currently on my first posting since finishing my 2-year
probation, and I’m now based in Inverness. I’m a community officer
covering the Merkinch area, where my primary role is to be the link
between the community and Northern Constabulary. It’s a highly
visible role where my focus is on providing solutions and helping
the community I serve. One way of doing this is through Street
Football which I attend regularly (and play in a couple of games if
I have time!). It’s a fantastic initiative that also gives kids the
opportunity to ask me questions or talk about any issues they might
be facing. It helps to break down any barriers that exist and the
negative perceptions some young people may have of the police.
The role brings a great deal of variety, which you just don’t
experience in any other job, and it’s the chance to make a
difference to the community in which you live. You never know what
the next call will bring. But all the training you get means you’re
well prepared to tackle anything that comes your way. I’ve already
recommended a career as a police officer in Northern Constabulary
to friends.