In our latest feature, we hear from some of the newest recruits on your local policing teams.

This week we hear from PC Jayden Kamber who is with the Met's South East Command Unit:

What made you want to join the Met?

I wanted to join the police ever since I was in Year 7; I liked the idea of the all the action! As I got older that wasn’t only the only part that drew me. I realised I’m a people person, not an office person, and wanted to be out on the streets working that way, instead of sitting behind a desk.

What’s a challenge in the job?

I think a lot of people have a negative view of the police, or they hear about one incident and assume we’re all the same. So, when you respond to a call for help, it can be hard as some don’t want you there or don’t want to engage with you at all – that can be challenging as normally the only reason you’re there is to keep them safe.

Read more: Meet new Met recruit Morgan Younger

News Shopper:

How do you overcome this?

You need to be able to overcome negative views of the police and by doing that, you have to be able to talk to people and get them to talk to you. I think if you can talk with people, no matter the situation, you’re most of the way there – you can’t do this job if you don’t know how to reach someone.

What do you enjoy about the job?

Every day is different and you never know what call you’ll get next. It could be anything from a domestic matter, to a mental health crisis, to a major incident. Literally anything can happen and even when you turn up to something that sounds simple, it can turn out to be something very different. I enjoy being on high-alert and ready to pick up my things and go. Some days can be crazy but I’m massively enjoying it and my team are great.

Read more: Meet new Met recruit Chris Corbett

What would you like the community to know about the police?

One thing I’d like to ask of people is to please know that a short clip of an incident they’ve seen online usually doesn’t show the full aspect, and ask them not to jump to conclusions. I know some people don’t want to be seen with, or talk to, officers, but I would say just please come and talk to us. I’d like to help show our community that we’re humans, not robots, and we’re here because we genuinely want to help you.