Behind the Badge: St Mary's Sixth Form Students Discover Policing Careers with DC Marek

On Monday 10 March, St Mary's Sixth Form welcomed Detective Constable Marek from the City of London Police for an enlightening Inspire My Future talk that gave students a window into the world of policing.

DC Marek began with a fascinating exploration of policing's rich history, demonstrating how police uniforms and equipment have transformed over the years. This historical context helped students appreciate the evolution of this vital public service.

Students were particularly captivated by DC Marek's insights into the extensive planning required for major public events like the Trooping of the Colour. He explained how officers often have leave cancelled to ensure adequate staffing for public safety and clarified the important geographical distinctions between the Metropolitan Police and the City of London Police.

The talk highlighted the comprehensive nature of police training, revealing the careful balance between hands-on practical experience and classroom-based learning that provides essential legal knowledge. DC Marek outlined various specialist areas within the force, including firearms units and dog handling teams, and detailed the rank structure and national examinations available for career advancement.

While DC Marek's passion for policing was evident throughout his presentation, he shared valuable advice about the importance of exploring different roles before finding the perfect fit. This honest perspective resonated with students, who asked thoughtful questions about entering the police force and how to progress through the ranks while specialising in particular areas.

We extend our sincere thanks to DC Marek for his time and expertise, and we look forward to our next Inspire My Future talk focusing on Law, scheduled for 7 May.