LLB Law student undertakes placement in the Intelligence Department at West Midlands Police
I study LLB Law at Aston University and I am currently on my placement within the Intelligence Department at West Midlands Police.
I spend each day monitoring and assessing live intelligence that comes into West Midlands Police at a force level. I assess for threat, risk and harm to protect the communities of the West Midlands and to identify opportunities for enforcement.
How did you secure your placement?
I applied for the placement after I saw it advertised on Aston Futures. I sent in the application via the Careers and Placements team. I then received an email inviting me for an interview and a week after the interview I received a phone call to say I was a successful candidate.
What skills have you learnt?
One of the skills that I have learnt during my placement is to examine intelligence to establish the best avenues for enforcement and resourcing. Another skill I have learnt is to ensure that decisions that are made are justified, proportionate and are according to the police envision.
Describe your placement in three words
If I was to describe my placement year in three words, the first one would be interesting because everyday I come across a new piece of intelligence that I must deal with. The second one would be enlightening because I have learnt so many new things and met so many new people. Thirdly, I would say rewarding because I am helping to protect the communities of the West Midlands.
What is the highlight of your placement year?
The biggest highlight of my placement is being seconded to Operation Define surrounding a large, planned demonstration in Birmingham city centre earlier this year.
I would encourage any student to undertake a placement year. It has been an invaluable experience and I have learnt so much and met so many new people. It has provided me with the opportunity for self-development and I will be going back to university well-prepared.