PC Stacia Pecoo

"Working shifts often means that I am able to do either the pick up or drop off at school and as I have four days off a week so I can also play an active role in their education. It's not for everyone but for my family it really works."

Motivated by the desire to make a real difference, joining the police was always part of the plan for PC Pecoo. Having worked as an Early Interventions Officer, she began her journey at the Met as a volunteer police officer nine years ago and now works as part of the Emergency Response Team. Raising three young daughters in London, she is passionate about making this city a better place for their future.

Working alongside her team and closely with local communities, she sees the direct impact her work has in building a safer London for us all.

What motivated you to join the Met?

I have always wanted to be a police officer from as long as I can remember. I love London and I wanted to be a visible presence and help to make it safe for people going about their daily lives. I'm raising my three daughters here and want them to feel safe. I feel like I'm making a difference not just to their lives, but to many others.

How do you balance your career with your family commitments?

As a parent working full-time, it can be a challenge but it is absolutely possible and extremely rewarding.

I remember when I found out I was pregnant with my youngest, I was shocked and was worried about telling my sergeant. To my relief I was fully supported, taken off frontline duties straight away and was able to request certain shift patterns. My whole experience really reinforced the idea that the Met does truly cares about your wellbeing.

Balancing work life with family is actually easier now because I don’t work the standard 9-5 job. Working shifts often means that I am able to do either the pick up or drop off at school and as I have four days off a week so I can also play an active role in their education. It's not for everyone but for my family it really works.

What is the most rewarding aspect of your job?

One of the best parts of the job is working as a team and knowing that no matter what, my colleagues are there to support me. I never feel alone out there, we’re like a massive family. I get to meet new people every day and experience new challenges. There are highs and lows but it’s worth it. The fact that I get to make a difference to people’s lives and help when they need it is hugely rewarding. It’s satisfying going home at the end of the day knowing I have helped someone.

I once helped an elderly Jamaican female who was suffering from dementia. She was confused and couldn’t find her way back home. All she could remember was her childhood back in Jamaica. She could only understand Patois (broken English) and I was able to get her back home to safety by speaking to her in the only language she understood. My colleagues were amazed to hear me speak like that for the first time as they weren’t aware I could speak Patois.

What was your biggest barrier when joining?

Some people do have a negative perception of the police, it can be tough to hear, but I usually respond by saying that no matter what perceptions you have of the police, we are here when people need us most. If you call the police we'll be there and we'll help no matter what your opinion is of the police.

When I joined, my sisters thought I was crazy as they were worried about my safety after seeing mainly negative press as they live abroad. Now they understand that working as part of a team, there’s always a colleague there to have my back, always someone to help me and now they are really proud of their little sister.