A young man who 'always wanted to be a Police Officer' has now graduated as an RAF Policeman

Thomas Longstaff, 20, from Gainsborough, was watched by friends and family as he graduated the six-month trade training course to become an RAF Policeman.

It was his outstanding commitment and consistency to his own personal fitness levels that saw him recognised with the special certificate.

The Defence School of Policing and Guarding (DSPG) in Hampshire, played host to the special ceremony which saw graduating students awarded their warrant cards from the Provost Marshal (RAF) Group Captain Kevin Bailey.

RAF Police students arrive at DSPG after completing their basic training and it is here they learn all the necessary trade skills to begin their careers. RAF Police have a wide remit including law enforcement, base security at home and overseas, military working dogs, cyber defence, investigations and forensics, global aviation security, counter intelligence, air transport security plus humanitarian and disaster relief support.

The former Market Rasen Sixth Form student will now go to RAF Coningsby in Lincolnshire to commence his RAF Police duties as a dog handler.

He said: “I really enjoyed the whole course and the six months just flew by. My highlights were the Glock 17 pistol training, Personal Safety Training, the practical exercise and the fitness challenges.”

The Physical Education Certificate is awarded to the student who has shown outstanding commitment and consistency with regard to their own personal level of fitness.

This student will have displayed physical and moral courage and will have made a significant contribution to team cohesion.

Thomas added: “I’m currently waiting for my Dog Handling Course which starts in April.

“Since my graduation, I’ve been carrying out general policing duties so I’ve been involved in all sorts of work, from participating in station exercises, to carrying out regular police patrols.

“I have always wanted to be a Police Officer so the RAF Police stood out to me with the prospect of travelling the world and having an active role with the many specialisations.

“That’s really why I chose dog handling, not only because I love dogs, but it is a very active role.”

The RAF has more than 50 available roles and multiple career development opportunities. It employs everyone from Chefs and Photographers, to ICT Technicians and Pilots.

For more information about becoming an RAF Policeman and the different roles in the RAF visit www.raf.mod.uk.