Olumide Olufola

Employer: Metropolitan Police Service
Area of work: Police
Qualifications: BSc chemistry, University of Salford; MChem, University of Salford

9.50 am

I cycle to work every morning, usually arriving at the police station before everybody else as we have an agreement that the last person to arrive makes the tea. I log on to a computer and read my emails, which keeps me up to date with what’s happening in the Met. I then look up the crime statistics from the night before to help me plan my day.

11.00 am

When I go out on the street I make a point of visiting the local shopkeepers who tell me about any problems they are having. If there has recently been a burglary, I will conduct a visit to the property. The residents are often happy to see a uniformed officer because it reassures them that they haven’t been forgotten. We’ll discuss any issues they have surrounding the burglary and I’ll explain the steps they can take to make their homes more secure.

2.00 pm

I tend to have my lunch in a local café with the other members of my team. This gives us an opportunity to discuss any new issues but it also fosters community spirit.

3.00 pm

In the afternoon, I conduct high visibility patrols at the housing estates where we encounter issues such as neighbour disputes and anti-social behaviour. The residents are a huge help in tackling anti-social behaviour because they know who is actually causing the problems. During the afternoon, I may be issuing tickets for cycling on the footway, confiscating alcohol from people drinking in designated no-drinking zones or be dealing with abandoned vehicles on the estates.

4.00 pm

I also run an advice clinic, which gives members of the public the opportunity to talk to me about any issues they may have. It’s really satisfying being able to help and advise people. The last hour of work is all about the paperwork. It’s also a chance to find out what the rest of the team has been up to and then go out for a drink to unwind.