Former Army Major becomes West Midlands Police student officer

Lyn Moldrik’s 36-year military service included six tours of Northern Ireland plus another in Germany during the fall of the Berlin Wall.

But the mother-of-two always harboured a desire to become a police officer - and acted on that having seen the West Midlands Police recruitment drive when her army career came to a close.

The 55-year-old who served in the Women’s Royal Army Corps, Adjutant Generals Corps (SPS) and commissioned into the Royal Army Medical Corps, is currently based with Force CID after beginning her police officer training earlier this year.

She said: "I’ve always wanted to be a police officer. I first looked into it after leaving school but it wasn’t possible at the time and I joined the army in 1983.

"My career moved on but I never lost the desire to join the police force; there are lots of skills and experiences which can be transferred between the roles.

"From being in the military you get used to the camaraderie, the sense of belonging, and being on the frontline. It’s the same here with the police service."

Lyn is hoping this second career will enable her to continue helping and protecting others - while taking criminals off the streets.

Distress

"I saw the WMP recruitment advert and thought ‘this is the time’," she said. "I was unsure whether my age would count against me but the force has made it clear that it is no barrier.

"At the moment I want to learn as much as I can and see where this second career takes me. Ultimately, I don’t like injustice and like to be in a position where I can help people."

One of her army roles was looking after the welfare of the partners whose loved-ones went to Afghanistan and her caring side, particularly at times of others’ distress, is something she shares with colleagues.

"I see officers displaying care, kindness and determination each day, being there when people need them most and doing everything possible to make a difference.

“It has only reaffirmed that I made the right decision to join and I would urge others to consider doing the same."

At the moment West Midlands Police is receiving around 160 applications a week to join the student officer programme.

For more details and information on other police careers on offer, visit: https://jobs.west-midlands.police.uk/