Summary
Overview
Work history
Education
Skills
Affiliations
Accomplishments
Timeline
Generic
Leo Shaw

Leo Shaw

Blackburn,Blackburn with Darwen

Summary

I was born and raised in Lancashire, a place I’m proud to call home. Growing up in this community has shaped my values and inspired my desire to give back by serving as a police officer. From a young age, I’ve always been polite, respectful, and committed to doing the right thing—qualities that I believe are essential in the police force.

Throughout school and now at college, I have consistently shown that I am an excellent worker. I approach every task with focus, determination, and a strong work ethic. My tutors have praised me for my dedication, and I take pride in completing my assignments to the best of my ability. I carry myself with great confidence, which has grown over time through classroom activities, public speaking, and group work.

In my personal life, I enjoy spending time outdoors. Walking is one of my favourite hobbies—it helps me stay active and clear my mind. I also value time with friends and believe in maintaining healthy relationships, which has taught me the importance of communication and emotional awareness. These qualities are just as important in everyday life as they are in policing.

I’m also proud to say that I have strong time management skills. Balancing my studies, social life, and hobbies has taught me how to prioritise tasks and stay organised. In addition, I’m an excellent cook—something I enjoy doing to relax and care for myself and others. Cooking requires patience, precision, and planning, all of which are skills that translate well into many areas of life.

For as long as I can remember, I have always wanted to become a police officer. The idea of helping people, making communities safer, and being part of a respected profession has always appealed to me. Now, as a student of Uniformed Public Services at Burnley College, I’m one step closer to turning that dream into reality.

Overview

4
4
years of professional experience
4
4
years of post-secondary education

Work history

College student

Burnley College
Burnley, Lancashire
09.2024 - 06.2028

I am currently a student at Burnley College, studying Uniformed Public Services at Level 1 (UPS). My future career goal is to become a Police Constable with Lancashire Police, specifically as a Response Police Officer. My current plan is to follow the degree apprenticeship route into Lancashire Police, aiming to hold a Level 3 Diploma in Uniformed Public Services.

Throughout my journey, I have rapidly developed excellent skills that I use in my everyday life. The skills I have embraced and refined during my time at college will support me on my path to becoming a police officer.

As a Burnley College student, I have been selected as the most hardworking student at my level. My college tutors are always impressed by the way I work, study, and present myself to others—consistently maintaining a professional and calm attitude, no matter the situation.

During my high school and college years, I’ve had the privilege of gaining firsthand experience in various aspects of emergency services and law enforcement. One of the most eye-opening experiences was volunteering with Lancashire Police for a week as a civilian observer. This opportunity allowed me to witness the different situations that officers handle daily, providing valuable insight into the inner workings of the police force. I was able to shadow police officers and see how they interact with the community, making it an unforgettable learning experience.An interesting highlight of my time at high school was attending my prom in a police car, a unique experience that I can proudly provide evidence for. It was a surreal moment and allowed me to connect with local law enforcement in a more personal, positive light. Beyond that, I’ve had the chance to visit Greater Manchester Police headquarters to support the Tactical Aid Unit during their training exercises. This allowed me to see how officers are prepared for high-pressure, tactical situations, and it deepened my understanding of what goes on behind the scenes.My experience doesn’t just extend to law enforcement but also includes working with individuals who have various disabilities and outlooks on life. These experiences taught me patience, empathy, and the importance of inclusivity in any work environment. Additionally, I’ve had the opportunity to visit Burnley Fire Station and witness live road traffic collision (RTC) scenarios, where emergency responders simulate real-life accidents. This practical demonstration was eye-opening, as it showcased the critical role first responders play in saving lives.I also had the chance to tour the Burnley Custody Suite, which gave me a clear understanding of the custody process and how detainees are handled within the justice system. One particularly inspiring visit during my time at college was when a member of the RAF came to speak about career opportunities within the military, offering a unique perspective on how such organizations operate and the potential for future career paths.On top of these visits, I met with two members of the Northwest Ambulance Service, including Lee Cartwright, a trained HEMS (Helicopter Emergency Medical Service) paramedic, and a paramedic involved in the Manchester bombing response, known as the "Man in the White Helmet." These conversations were incredibly enlightening, especially hearing firsthand accounts of the challenges and triumphs these professionals face. Moreover, I participated in live practical training sessions, including scenarios involving the police, fire service, and St. John’s Ambulance, which helped me better understand how emergency services work together to tackle complex situations in real time.These diverse experiences have greatly contributed to my personal and professional growth, giving me a deep appreciation for the work done by emergency services and law enforcement professionals.

Education

Uniformed Public Services

Burnley College
Burnley
09.2024 - 06.2028

Skills

1 Problem Solving
As a student of Uniformed Public Services, problem solving has become one of my strongest assets I have learned how to approach situations calmly and logically, identifying the root of a problem before choosing the most effective solution Whether during practical activities or class discussions, I use critical analysis and reasoning to overcome challenges—a skill I will use daily as a police officer

2 Confidence
Building my confidence has been a major milestone in my development I’ve learned how to speak up, lead tasks, and trust in my own abilities This growing confidence has allowed me to take on leadership roles in group work and handle responsibilities with pride, which is crucial for anyone entering a high-pressure profession like policing

3 Professionalism
Maintaining a professional attitude has been at the core of my college journey I always aim to present myself with integrity and discipline, showing respect to my tutors, peers, and the college environment This approach not only gains respect from others but will also help me represent Lancashire Police in the best possible light

4 Communication
Effective communication is essential in both academic and professional settings Through presentations, group tasks, and written assignments, I’ve developed strong verbal and written communication skills I understand how to adjust my tone and language depending on who I’m speaking to—a vital skill for interacting with the public as a police officer

5 Leadership
I’ve had multiple opportunities to demonstrate leadership during group tasks and team exercises I take initiative, offer guidance to others, and motivate my peers to stay focused These leadership qualities show that I can take charge of a situation and remain composed—traits that are essential in emergency response roles

6 Teamwork
Teamwork is a skill I use every day in college Whether working in small teams or large group projects, I know how to cooperate, support others, and contribute equally Being part of a team is about understanding group dynamics, and I’ve gained a clear understanding of how to help others succeed while achieving common goals

7 Time Management
With multiple deadlines and practical sessions, I’ve become skilled at managing my time efficiently I create schedules, prioritize tasks, and stay organized to ensure that all my responsibilities are met on time In the police force, being punctual and well-organized will be essential, especially when handling multiple incidents

8 Adaptability
The public services course often places us in new and unfamiliar situations, which has taught me how to adapt quickly I’ve learned to stay calm and effective even when plans change unexpectedly As a response officer, I will need to adapt on the spot to emergencies, changes in routine, or unpredictable environments

9 Active Listening
Being an active listener has helped me improve in all areas of learning and communication I pay full attention to what others are saying, ask relevant questions, and reflect on their ideas This skill will help me connect with the public, colleagues, and victims in the field with genuine understanding and care

10 Creativity
Creativity plays a key role in problem-solving and planning During my studies, I have used creative thinking to come up with new ideas, make decisions, and approach challenges from different angles As a police officer, creative thinking will help me find solutions that are both effective and respectful of diverse communities

11 Skills Management
Throughout my time at college, I’ve become good at identifying and using my strengths in various situations Whether it's communication, timekeeping, or leadership, I know which skills to apply in order to reach a goal Being able to manage and improve my skill set will help me continue to grow in the police profession

12 Customer Service
While police officers aren't traditionally seen as customer service workers, serving the public is a big part of the job My ability to remain polite, helpful, and respectful to everyone, no matter the situation, demonstrates my readiness to deal with members of the public with fairness and patience

13 Critical Thinking
Studying public services has sharpened my ability to think critically I’ve learned to question evidence, weigh up different sides of a situation, and make reasoned conclusions Critical thinking will be vital when assessing incidents and making quick but informed decisions as a response officer

14 Decision Making
Decision making is another skill I’ve developed through practical scenarios and theoretical lessons I understand how to stay calm under pressure and make choices that are safe, ethical, and effective I’ve practiced evaluating options and choosing the best course of action—just like I will be expected to do in a police role

15 Public Speaking
Delivering speeches and presentations has helped me become confident speaking in front of others I now speak clearly, with purpose and authority This skill will benefit me when giving briefings, speaking in court, or addressing members of the public during community events

16 Collaboration
Collaboration goes hand in hand with teamwork, and I have learned how to work effectively with people from different backgrounds and abilities I value others’ input and always aim to bring everyone together to achieve success Being able to collaborate with other officers and external agencies will be essential in policing

17 Conflict Resolution
Through role-play and classroom activities, I’ve developed the ability to de-escalate tense situations and resolve conflicts calmly and fairly I listen to both sides, stay neutral, and aim for peaceful outcomes These are key abilities for a police officer who will regularly face emotionally charged environments

18 Emotional Intelligence (Empathy, Self-Awareness, Flexibility, and Coping with Stress)
Understanding my own emotions and the feelings of others has helped me become a more empathetic and self-aware person I know how to stay flexible in changing situations, cope with stress in healthy ways, and remain calm under pressure These traits are all crucial for managing the emotional challenges that come with police work

Affiliations

  • Walking, taking adventures, keeping fit and active and maintaing a healthy lifestyle

Accomplishments

Throughout my academic journey, I have consistently demonstrated my commitment to excellence, earning Distinctions in various subjects. My hard work, dedication, and focus on achieving the highest standards have not only helped me excel in my coursework but also reinforced my determination to succeed in my chosen career. I take pride in these Distinctions as they represent my drive to always give my best effort and my ability to master challenging material.

In addition to my academic achievements, I have been recognised with numerous school awards, which celebrate my strong character and personal development. These awards reflect my dedication to being a positive role model for others and my commitment to contributing to the school community. One particular award I received was for being a polite, well-mannered individual. This recognition meant a great deal to me, as I strongly believe that respect, courtesy, and good manners are the foundation of strong relationships, whether in school, work, or life in general.

Being acknowledged as a polite young man has always been a point of pride for me. I believe that displaying good manners and showing respect for others is essential for creating a positive environment, both in personal interactions and professional settings. I strive to lead by example, and my teachers and peers have consistently commented on how my respectful attitude helps maintain a harmonious atmosphere in the classroom.

These accomplishments have shaped me into the person I am today and continue to inspire me as I work toward my ultimate goal of becoming a police officer. Each recognition, whether academic or personal, reinforces my belief in the values of hard work, kindness, and professionalism—values I will carry with me into my career in law enforcement.

Timeline

College student

Burnley College
09.2024 - 06.2028

Uniformed Public Services

Burnley College
09.2024 - 06.2028

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Leo Shaw