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It’s a familiar story. After several years with a ‘smaller’ force, the ambitious Officer requests a transfer, drawn to the big city by a higher salary and the perceived glamour of policing in a large urban conurbation.

But the traffic isn’t all one way. Forces like Bedfordshire Police have seen a big increase in transferees over the last year or so, with many experienced officers deciding the time is right for a change of scenery.

At Bedfordshire, there is a mix of factors involved, some people become disillusioned with the way their career is developing within a larger force. For others it’s more of a lifestyle choice.

There’s certainly no reason to stay put if you’re feeling unsettled, especially as transferring can be much easier than a lot of officers think.  It’s true that many forces still insist on an arduous selection process and formal interview, although this is starting to change.

“We’re actively recruiting right now, and we’re really seeing the benefits of streamlining our recruitment processes. It’s easy to transfer providing you’ve performed well in your current location. And, unlike a number of forces, we’re happy to place officers straight into specialist teams 

So what do officers have to say about their reasons for moving? It only takes a couple of minutes’ conversation with some of Bedfordshire’s Transferee Officers to understand why a switch was the right decision for them. In no particular order, here’s their ‘Top Ten Reasons to Transfer’.

1. Promotion Prospects: In a big force, there are more opportunities for promotion, but there is also much more competition for those opportunities. With so many other officers around, it can be hard to get noticed and make an impression on your superiors.

2. Training Opportunities: Your personal and professional development is likely to be more of a priority in a smaller force. It’s often easier to access formal training and development too

3. Getting personal: Big forces can feel impersonal, you’re little more than the number stitched onto your lapel. In a smaller, friendlier constabulary, you’re treated as an individual – you get to know your colleagues better and you feel much more involved in the day to day business of the force.

4. Local knowledge: Some forces cover a huge geographical area and serve vast populations. In a smaller force, you get to know the local area better and you get to know the local communities better. (You get to know the villains and troublemakers better too).

5. Variety and excitement: Many officers are surprised to be given fairly one dimensional roles when they work in large forces. Everything can become a bit humdrum. A smaller force often provides a much greater variety of assignments. And you don’t have to worry about a lack of excitement – policing a busy town like Luton on a Friday night is as challenging as anywhere.

6. More chance to specialise: In larger forces, it can be hard to break into a specialist team. Smaller organisations tend to offer more potential. For example, Bedfordshire has recently welcomed transferees into its Special Branch, Specialist investigation, Firearms, Safer Neighbourhood policing and CID teams.

7.Cost of living: The recent budget hasn’t done us many favours. With VAT rising, living costs in the city will be higher than ever.  And, while there’s uncertainty in the housing markets, homes are still unaffordable in many areas, particularly London and parts of the South East.

8. More time with friends and family: The shift patterns in many big forces can be unforgiving and at times unpredictable. Spending time with the important people in your life is often difficult and it’s frustrating to miss the big occasions. You still have to be flexible in a smaller force of course, but life is often easier.

9. Less commuting: Long car or rail journeys to work are accepted as part of life by many officers – but all that travelling become wearing, especially if you have more responsibilities at home.

10. Quality of life: Easy access to the countryside. Attractive places to live, with a real community feel. Good schools. It’s no wonder that some people prefer to escape the big city and move to towns and villages.

Case Study: PC 6089 Michael Donegal, Burglary Investigation Unit

Bedfordshire Police was a very similar size and make-up to my first force I spent 12 years with, having spent two years in the Metropolitan police it made me appreciate how beneficial a smaller force can be. There were officers I had worked with in the past who had joined Bedfordshire Police and had positive things to say. It’s a multi-cultural force which strives to improve its link with the ethnic communities. Being a black officer this was very important to me and played a factor in my move. 

The recruitment process/training I found to be faultless and quick, I was constantly kept up to date and communication was of a high standard, so I was always updated on the progress of my application. I spent a week training at HQ and was well treated and made to feel very welcome.   Having worked in a recruitment role in the past I was most impressed with the recruitment department, even to this day I am still in contact with the department and say hello if I’m passing. I am also impressed with officers in Bedfordshire who go that extra mile.