PC Alfie Hunnable walks through the doors of the Essex Police Headquarters in Chelmsford. It’s a path he has taken many times before, but this time is special. He is presented with his Essex Police-branded uniform, which he had had fitted the week before.
“I definitely felt like I had made it when I got my uniform, radio and appliances”, PC Hunnable says enthusiastically, the memories of such a glorious moment coming flooding back to him.
Growing up in and around Saffron Walden, Essex, PC Hunnable says that he had wanted to be a police officer since he was very young, in the area which he grew up in. But how did he get to be where he is today?
“I started my journey by doing a two-year Level 3 Uniformed Services course at Cambridge Regional College, before signing up for a Level 4 Policing degree. I originally applied to be a detective, but failed at the interview stage”, PC Hunnable, 21, admits.
“I was then made aware of the PCDA [Police Constable Degree Apprenticeship] scheme in Essex. I had a couple of interviews, including one in-person, where I was told I had passed the interview stage. Then I had my uniform fitted.”
After this process, it is necessary for a police officer to go through various fitness and medical tests before undertaking personal safety training.
For PC Hunnable, the average working week is looking a little different to most officers at the moment, given that he is completing his degree at the same time.
“We work a set of six shifts, six days – two earlies, two day shifts and two nights, and four rest days”, he explains. “But for me, if I’m on a university day, which has a designated time of 8am to 4pm, I’ll be at home, either working on an assignment or my dissertation.
“If I’m doing a normal policing day, I’ll go to the office, have a briefing when I start, get my kit on and prepare stuff that has been handed over, which tend to be constant observations of someone in custody.”
PC Hunnable considers himself to be in a fortunate position, policing his hometown of Saffron Walden – “the sunny side of the world”, he says jokingly – and enjoys the unpredictability of the job, especially the night shifts.
“When it’s quiet, we can be proactive”, he says. “We go out looking for stolen vehicles, engage with the community, chase suspects. It’s like being in a video game sometimes.”
But for every positive part of the job, there are always negatives, and for PC Hunnable, the bad days are often unforgettable.
“Obviously, we deal with deaths and stuff, and just communicating to families as well is horrible”, he explains in a serious, sombre manner, a real contrast to his usual friendly, jovial manner when discussing his career. “It’s definitely one of the toughest parts of the job, and certain incidents can create a very stressful atmosphere at times.”
When asked what advice he’d give to aspiring officers, PC Hunnable is refreshingly candid.
“Just go for it,” he says. “It’s a long process – don’t let that put you off. And talk to someone. Everyone knows someone who knows someone in the police. Just have a chat.
“In terms of what I wish I had known during the application, no one really explains what happens once you’re in. You don’t know about the courses, the custody process, how much paperwork is involved. It would’ve helped to have someone walk me through it all.”
Public confidence in policing is fluctuating, according to a 2024 survey which showed that over 50% of the British public had no trust in the Metropolitan Police (Met). This appears to be a result of severe underfunding and scandals, such as the highly-publicised case of the murder of Sarah Everard by a Met officer, and how the situation was handled by the force.
PC Hunnable is acutely aware of the image of the profession. However, he is confident that the narrative can be changed – if the right support is given.
“It only takes one bad egg to affect how everyone’s seen,” he explains. “That’s tough, especially when you’re out there genuinely trying to help. But we’re already getting better at community engagement.
“Even small things, like posting about good arrests on Facebook, help people see we’re actually doing something.
“But we do need more officers. Not just because we’re stretched, but because it reminds the public we’re there and we care.”
As for his future career, PC Hunnable looks to move into proactive policing roles, and maybe even re-apply for a detective position. However, he is realistic about the obstacles of policing on a wider scale.
“We’re an emergency service, and what we deal with – violence, trauma, pressure – it needs to be recognised properly. It’s not for everyone, but if you want a job where no two days are the same, where you don’t sit at a desk all day, and where you can really make a difference… then this job’s for you”, he finishes, showing his unwavering enthusiasm.
With so much uncertainty around the future of policing, PC Hunnable is a shining example of the passion for the profession that still exists, and is walking proof that policing, in the right hands, has a bright future.
