Popular TV show helped inspire Khizer to make his dream of becoming a PC a reality

For PC Khizer Mehmood it has been a lifelong ambition to join the police, partially inspired by the popular TV show The Bill, but also his uncle who served with West Midlands Police.

Despite his uncle serving with a different force for nearly 20 years, Khizer decided he wanted to join his local force, which is why he applied to be a Police Constable with West Mercia over three years ago.

The 25-year-old said: “Ever since a very young age I always dreamt of doing this job. I was mainly influenced from hearing some very cool and inspirational stories from my uncle, who recently retired from West Midlands Police. But I was also a very loyal fan of the TV show The Bill, which I would religiously watch, albeit there is a lot more paperwork than they showed on the screens, but the excitement and thrill is definitely accurate.

“When I decided it was time to start my policing career I chose West Mercia Police as it is the local police force that covers Telford, which is where I have grown up and spent my entire life."

Khizer, who is based in Shrewsbury, started his policing career by joining the West Mercia’s Police Cadet at the age 16, before becoming a Police Support Volunteer, a Special Constable and then a Police Community Support Officer with the force.

He added: “All the roles I did before applying were great, and I thoroughly enjoyed and saw each position as a stepping stone to achieving my all-time goal of being a Police Constable, which I have now been for over three years.

“I enjoy working in a large dedicated team of likeminded individuals, who all work towards the same goal and have a joint purpose which includes protecting and helping people within our communities on a daily basis.

“I love the thrill and excitement, and the concept of not knowing what to expect each and every day at work – no two days are the same being a police officer, and you have to be constantly thinking on your feet and be ready to deal with the unexpected.

“My work colleagues are like family – they are the first people I turn too after dealing with any traumatic or upsetting incident, and the support we provide one another is key. There is also so much support available within the force, which I have previously taken up due to various reasons.”

In May, Khizer was award a Chief Superintendent Commendation Award for helping to catch a prolific shoplifter in Telford whilst off duty. Khizer had just finished a late shift, when we stopped off at a shop on the way home where he witnessed the theft take place. Without thinking, Khizer was quick to act and arrested the man before he could flee the scene.

Receiving the award, Khizer said it reminded him why he does the job that he does – to keep our communities safe.

Has Khizer's story inspired you? Do you enjoy facing challenges and solving problems and would like to help keep your community safe while developing a range of skills? Then policing could be for you.

West Mercia Police is currently recruiting new police officers, and you can find out more by visiting our careers pages.

Issued by RJ, Corporate Communications