James Hare

Could you tell us a bit about yourself, your background, or anything you think is relevant? 

I went to Newcastle College and I studied for a Diploma in Policing. I’m studying a Policing degree now and I'm training to be a special constable, so I have to pass an exam then start my first shift!  

Why did you choose to study a degree at Newcastle College University Centre? 

I was really influenced by my tutor, Aaron. He’s a special constable and his background in the police really persuaded us to stay here for a degree. He makes it realistic and is probably the reason I stayed here more than anything else because I don't think you'd get that anywhere else.  

What benefits do you think there are in studying at Newcastle College University Centre? 

It wasn't just getting stuck in a lecture hall the tutors understand how we individually work as students and give that one-to-one support.  

What are the facilities like at the University Centre for your course, and more broadly as a student? 

They’re good! We’ve got the Simulation rooms and I think you develop yourself more by doing practical work.  

More broadly, we have an on-campus gym too which I like to go to in the morning. 

What do you enjoy the most about your degree? 

It's getting an understanding of how policing works. It's not just sort of going out there and dealing with something. It's understanding the background why people commit crimes and gives you a lot more of a head start on people that haven't done it, I think. Especially learning what I’ve learned on the specials training, I've been on a course with people who haven't studied policing. You get more of an understanding of why it happens, how it happens and what causes it to happen, more than anything else. 

What inspires you? 

When the Manchester attack happened, something just clicked in my head and I’ve always wanted to be a police officer since. Seeing what the police did was very inspiring. 

Also, my dad's a paramedic, so I want to be a part of the paras first. He said “no, be a police officer” so I've got a really no choice! I'm kidding, but I’m glad he pushed towards this. Every time I saw him going out in his uniform, I know I want to do that. It's always been something I want to sort of do either paramedic or police, obviously police have sort of grabbed me at the moment. 

Tell us about how you have worked with industry whilst studying your degree (i.e. talks / live briefs / projects). 

We went down to custody and I think it was last year and had a tour. It was good for us to get an insight and get to know the processes of it.  

We’ve also had people coming in from sort of the recruitment side. So again, you understand what they're looking for and how they do it and things like that. 

How do you think learning from industry-experienced tutors has benefitted you? 

Brilliantly, I think, as I say, Aaron's a special constable as himself. Not only does he sort of relay stuff back to you. For example, he could have been out on a job yesterday and he can come in and give you details of what he's done and how he's done it, all anonymised, of course, and then a simulation could be based on something he's done.  It's real-life experience and real-life scenarios that have happened. 

Have you overcome any challenges either before or whilst studying for your degree? 

It took me three times to get this position to be a special constable, you've really got to go for an interview. The time I got in, Aaron, again, helped me through. He actually took time out of his day to sit down with us and go through questions. So, I think that just proves how much the staff are willing to support you. 

What has been the highlight of your time studying at Newcastle College University Centre? 

I think that's one of the highlights as you say, we're all proper mates on the course. We've got the same interests and get on well. So that's probably one of the highlights. 

In what ways do you think your degree at Newcastle College University Centre has prepared you for employment? 

Very highly. As I say, learning over the past four years and now going into the special constable role has made me realise how beneficial it is doing something like this. The degree doesn’t skim over anything, we’ve learned everything in depth. The training for the specials is only 17 weeks (about four months) and this course is three years so that proves how in-depth it is and how well prepared we will be when we leave. 

What are your plans after you graduate? 

Join the police force! 

I would love to be on response. That's like sort of the main goal, traffic as well. I'd love to do search and rescue or be part of the scuba divers too.