“My dad’s my role model and when people say I’m like him, it’s a great feeling”

 

Meet Derek and Daniel.

The father and son duo are an invaluable part of #TeamSWP, Derek as a PCSO in Cardiff and Daniel as a Police Youth Volunteer (PYV), also in Cardiff.

We caught up with them in time for Father's Day to chat about their shared love for policing – and each other.

“We actually both joined South Wales Police together about 18 months ago,” said Derek.

“I’d always wanted to be a police officer, ever since I was a young boy growing up in Grenada, but it always felt out of reach because I couldn’t read and write.

“But by chance, a PCSO named Sian knocked on my door one day, and I started asking her lots of questions, and she convinced me that I could do it. She told me she’d let me know when they were recruiting again, and two weeks later she kept her promise and knocked my door again to tell me to apply.

“She helped me so much and I couldn’t have done it without her. She helped me access support for learning and has been a constant inspiration, not only for me but for Daniel too.”

“That’s right,” added 16-year-old Daniel. “I never would have known about the PYVs if it wasn’t for Sian, and just as she did with my dad, she really encouraged me and I’m so grateful for that.

“Like my dad, I’ve always known I wanted to be in the police; he was definitely my inspiration. He always told me he wanted to join and since I was small he would tell me I should pursue that career too.

“So that’s what I’ve done, my whole childhood I’ve worked towards that goal. Joining the PYVs was the best decision, I’ve learnt so much and it’s just really reinforced my passion for becoming a police officer and serving the community. I’m studying criminology, sociology, law and politics and St Davids College, and when I’m 17 I plan to apply to become a PC. Seeing my dad achieve what he has makes me really proud and has really inspired me.”

While both are based in Cardiff, their work paths rarely cross, but it’s something both father and son are hopeful will happen more during their careers.

“We’ve only actually worked together once, we did a community clean up together,” recalled Daniel, who is also an Army cadet and shoots for Wales, and juggles his time working two part-time jobs, and playing both the drums and piano.

"It was great; I love working alongside my dad and I would definitely love to do it more. We get along so well and always pull together as a team, so while not every parent and child would enjoy it, we genuinely do.”

“Yes, definitely,” agreed Derek. “That was a great day. To have my son working alongside me was a proud moment. And even though we don’t do it often, every station I go to someone will know Daniel and they will tell me what a great boy is he and what a brilliant job he’s doing. As a father, there’s nothing better to hear.

“I take my job very seriously; I feel a real responsibility as a PCSO. I am passionate about serving the community and I want to always do the very best that I can for the public. I often get cards and thank you letters which is so rewarding because I feel I am making a difference. But on top of that knowing that I need to be a role model for my sons and set a good example – that is something that I also take very seriously.

And the feeling is clearly mutual, with Daniel adding: “Everyone who knows my dad has a lot of respect for him. The things I most admire about him is that he’s really friendly and approachable, and he’s always positive. He’s my role model and when people say I’m like him, it’s a great feeling.”

• Read more about Derek’s road to becoming a PCSO in our Humans of SWP series.
• Learn more about the Police Youth Volunteer programme.