Insp Douglas

From Response to Recruits: Temporary Inspector Douglas's Career in Learning & Development

A Winding Path

When Temporary Inspector Douglas joined the Ministry of Defence Police in 2017, he couldn't have predicted the winding path his career would take. After nearly two years in MDP, he made the decision to transfer to Wiltshire Police, seeking the broader experience that Home Office policing could offer. Over the next four years, he immersed himself in Response Policing, Neighbourhood Policing, and Public Order Level 2 work, even taking part in protestor removal operations.

Coming Home

But something was missing. As the demands of frontline policing began to weigh on his work-life balance, Insp Douglas heard that the MDP had relocated its training school to Southwick Park. It felt like the right moment to return.

A Passion Rediscovered

What he found waiting for him wasn't just a way back into the Force, but a way back to something he'd always loved. Long before he became a police officer, Insp Douglas held a teaching qualification, and throughout his policing career, he'd found that the moments he valued most were those spent coaching and mentoring colleagues. Moving into Learning & Development wasn't a departure from his career, it was a return to a passion that had been there all along.

"Teaching has always been part of who I am. I had a teaching qualification before I even joined policing, and the moments I've enjoyed most in my career have been coaching and mentoring colleagues."

A Day in the Classroom

These days, Insp Douglas spends his time in classrooms and practical training sessions, guiding recruits through legislation, policy, and procedure, bringing it all to life through realistic scenarios - it's demanding work.

"I didn't realise how much preparation and skill it takes to deliver training well. It's not just about standing up with a PowerPoint."

Watching Recruits Transform

Yet nothing compares to watching a recruit's transformation. Over twelve weeks, he sees uncertain new starters grow into capable, confident officers. Standing at their passing out parade, watching that journey come full circle, is where the reward truly lies.

"Watching recruits transform over twelve weeks, and then seeing them at their passing out parade, is genuinely one of the best parts of this job."

Two Different Worlds

Reflecting on the shift from frontline policing to L&D, Insp Douglas is candid: they are different worlds, but equally challenging and rewarding, just in different ways. What L&D offers is a more predictable schedule and a clearer, more immediate view of the difference you're making.

Advice for the Next Generation

His advice to officers weighing up a similar move is simple: chase what genuinely makes you happy, not what looks good on paper.

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