REAL-life cop Mat Burbeck has found a new line of duty – as an actor in a TV police recruitment campaign.
He’s been signed up by the Home Secretary to appear in a series of commercials which hit the network and cinema screens tomorrow.
Chief Inspector Burbeck, 38, is one of two serving officers from different backgrounds to appear for free to encourage people to join the police.
It is aimed at boosting Priti Patel’s drive to recruit 20,000 more police by 2023.
In the ad, Chief Insp Burbeck, of Kent Police, recreates a drugs raid he was involved in where £4.5 million of ecstasy was seized and four members of an organised crime gang were jailed.
He was inspired to join the force after working in military intelligence and says it’s a job where every day he can make a difference.
The officer said: “Every single day police officers change someone’s life and there are not many jobs where you can say that. You never know what is around the corner – in the same day you can go from working on a domestic violence case, to attending a violent incident, to working on a drugs bust.
“You are dealing with people who are often having the worst day in their lives, so you develop people skills, as well as technical investigation skills.”
Protect the vulnerable
In a second ad, Police Constable Lola Giwa, of Greater Manchester Police, recreates a scene in which she helps to protect vulnerable people and make sure violent criminals are put behind bars.
The government is over half way to meeting its target and hope the ads, part of a wider campaign across radio, social media, online, podcasts and display banners, will help drive it on.
So far, 11,053 extra officers have enabled police forces to set up new units tackling crime and protecting vulnerable people – including supporting those who have suffered rape and sexual assault.
They have also helped create the most diverse police force in history, which is more able to effectively serve communities across England and Wales.
Ms Patel said: “Two years ago, this government made a promise to the public to put 20,000 extra police officers on our streets – and we are delivering on that pledge with an additional 11,053 police officers already recruited.
“Officers like PC Giwa and Chief Inspector Burbeck are already out there making a difference – taking drugs off our streets and protecting victims of awful crimes like domestic abuse, while helping to make our communities safer.
“As we continue to deliver on that promise to increase police numbers, anyone with a drive and passion to serve their community and fight crime should consider following their example and joining up as part of this new generation of brave police officers.”
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