Dual lives
30 March 2011
By day, Andrew Codling works as an ICT service improvement manager, but out of work hours he patrols London’s streets as a special police inspector. He speaks to Reporter about his different roles.
“My role at Imperial, working in ICT, is to identify ways of improving computers, phones or the general way teams operate. I liaise with external companies and then suggest ways to make things more efficient. Four and a half years ago I began looking for some voluntary work to do my bit in the community. I had some friends who volunteered for the police and they seemed to really enjoy it, so I thought I’d give it a go myself.
“I was assigned a role as a police inspector, which is a great job. Every shift is different – you go out on the street never knowing what’s going to happen. People can approach you asking questions from “Where’s Harrods?” to “Can you help me find my child?” We’re there to help them. We’re also used at major events, such as the London Marathon. The uniform really helps me to make my transition from my day job – people react in a different way when they see someone in a uniform and you’ve got to be aware of what’s going on around you and be more alert on the street.
“I’ve developed lots of skills that can apply in both worlds, in particular dealing with people, which is much harder on the street as people who approach you for help are usually emotional or distressed. The best thing about my role is that I can do it when it suits me. People ask why I don’t swap careers but I like my job at the College!”
Tags: ICT, Inside Story
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