Glen Robson

BA (Hons) Sociology and Social Policy, 2008

Since graduating in 2008, Glen Robson has taken his career with the West Midlands Police Force to the next level. Rising through the ranks he is now a Police Inspector working in the field of intelligence.   

Q. What made you decide to study Sociology and Social Policy?

“Since secondary school I have always had an interest in the social sciences but I had never considered studying social policy until I went to the University Open Day. After talking with the academics about my profession and interests it was suggested that a joint honours degree may be rewarding and have a bearing on my day job as a police officer.”

Q. What are your memories of studying at Wolverhampton?

“I remember being very nervous about my age! When I enrolled I was in my late thirties and I was conscious of being a part-time and mature student, but it made little difference in the end. The support from teaching staff was way beyond what I expected and they really helped me to balance my studies with a full-time job."

Q. What are your day-to-day activities within your role as a Police Inspector?

“I was promoted to Inspector almost four years ago and for much of that time I have been involved in managing the intelligence functions within Wolverhampton. “Intelligence” comes in all guises, from anonymous to informant led information, and it is my responsibility to handle and disseminate it appropriately based on the level of risk and threat."

Q. What are the most rewarding and challenging aspects of your job?

“The rewards are huge. The police service has a real team ethos and the satisfaction gained from a job well done, or a good arrest, is a great feeling. That satisfaction is magnified when your efforts are recognised outside of the organisation, especially when victims of crime take time out to thank you. The biggest challenges lie in the physical risk officers put themselves in on a daily basis. The bravery, resourcefulness, and dedication of our staff never ceases to amaze me.”

Q. How do you think your degree helped to prepare you for your career?

“After graduating from Wolverhampton I went on to study a Masters in Public Administration (MPA) at the University of Birmingham. The two qualifications have been instrumental in my development as a person and as a police officer. The opportunity to learn with, and from, like-minded people, has been a fantastic opportunity.”

Q. What do you think is the most important skill required to do your job?

“Good communication and inter-personal skills are essential when managing confrontation or dealing with vulnerable people.”

Q. What do you think is your greatest professional achievement so far?

“My promotions to Sergeant and Inspector would be high on the list, as would some of the awards and recognition I have received for good police work or meritorious acts - I was one of four Senior Investigating Officers on a very sensitive covert operation in 2009/10 that led to lengthy prison sentences for those involved.”

Q. What advice would you give to future students?

“Always study a discipline you have a genuine interest in. It makes the whole learning experience more enjoyable and valuable. For those thinking about becoming a police officer, I would encourage any graduate to consider it. It is a rewarding occupation and the team ethos and diversity of roles we perform make it a varied and interesting career.”