Ex-firefighter returns to emergency services as trainee detective

PC Jason Bailey was a firefighter based in Hucknall

A former firefighter is returning to blue lights action after a decade away having joined the ranks at Nottinghamshire Police.

Jason Bailey clocked up five years in the fire service after leaving school and, more recently, has worked for the Ministry of Justice, managing high-risk offenders released from custody.

Now in his 30s, Jason is about to return to responding to 999 calls after becoming a student detective.

As part of his training, he will spend the next six months on the Beeston Response team to gain valuable policing experience.

The 34-year-old said: “Having previously been a firefighter, I’m looking forward to going back out on blue lights and feeling that buzz again.

“I’m looking forward to helping people. It won’t be easy. There’ll no doubt be challenging situations when you’re going out to people who are having the worst moment of their life – possibly as bad as a loved one dying.

“People in those moments are looking for a miracle. When I was aged 19 and a firefighter, I had to be that miracle. Now that I’ve joined the police, I might have to be that miracle again.”

Jason was among 15 student detectives who took part in a passing out parade on Friday (14 June), having completed their initial period of training.

A passing out parade at police HQ on Friday

After their time on Response, they will join the force’s CID department as part of the next phase of their detective training.

Jason, who was based at Hucknall fire station, said he was enjoying being back in the emergency services. He said: “For me, I’ve always wanted to help people. It’s like a moral calling in life. I enjoy working with people and getting stuck into challenging situations. I also like experiencing an adrenaline buzz and making a difference.

“I’m really excited to get going. It feels like a long time since I last served the community by responding to 999 calls. I’m looking forward to doing it again but in a different way.”

Also passing out was 23-year-old Maisie Humber, a Nottingham Trent University graduate who studied Forensic Psychology.

Maisie said the course had equipped her well for her career as a detective, which she described as her dream job. 

She said: “I’ve always wanted to be a detective. Studying Forensic Psychology was really fascinating as I learnt a lot about understanding the criminal mind and the psychology behind criminal behaviour.

“I’m looking forward to putting what I learnt into practice with Nottinghamshire Police. I think I’ll be able to offer a different perspective on criminal behaviour that might be helpful with certain investigations.”

PC Maisie Humber (front, centre)

Maisie, who will spend the next six months with the West Bridgford Response team before continuing with her detective training, said she had already decided what department she’d like to join when she becomes fully qualified.

She said: “I’d really like to join the Rape and Serious Sexual Offences (RaSSO) unit. One of my modules at university was about the psychology of sexual offending so I think I can offer some valuable perspectives in that area.

“I think it’s really important victims are listened to and the work of the Public Protection department, including the RaSSO unit, is particularly victim facing – so I think I’d be a good fit there.”

The passing out parade was overseen by Chief Constable Kate Meynell. Addressing the families and friends who gathered at Nottinghamshire Police’s headquarters for the event, CC Meynell said: “In terms of the training we offer, I’m really confident standing in front of you right now that we’ve given your loved ones the basic skills they need to go onto the next stage of their learning.

“The training they’ve received here over the past 21 weeks will stand them in really good stead to now go into the communities that we serve and try out their skills in real life situations – and to understand the level of quality service we want to deliver.  

“We want to provide the best possible service to victims of communities right across Nottinghamshire and I wish all the new recruits well in their roles.”

Nottinghamshire Police welcome applications from individuals from all backgrounds who are willing to serve with pride, compassion and integrity at all times.

If you are interested in a career in policing, visit: Careers | Nottinghamshire Police.