The tech industry is arguably the purest illustration of how the private sector can improve lives and change the world. The internet may have its origins in academia and the military, but it is the visionaries of companies like Microsoft, Google, IBM and Apple who have driven the industry for the past three decades.
Unlike the public sector, which exists to provide life-enhancing services, the private sector is motivated by profit. In pursuing profitability, entrepreneurs and private companies have seized on the potential of digital technology, but their innovations have enabled the development of ever more powerful solutions for individuals and institutions, not just in communications and entertainment but in commerce, manufacturing, healthcare and education.
Public and private might occupy very different positions on the digital spectrum, but there is constant crossover, with each sector benefiting the other.
Most people who are looking to begin or progress careers in tech turn almost by default to private companies, whether it’s one of the global titans or the countless start-ups and small enterprises working in specialised areas. They offer glamour, excitement and a sense of being at the cutting edge. However, it can be every bit as rewarding to work in public services, where you have not only limitless opportunities to develop new tech solutions but also the satisfaction of knowing your work has a direct benefit to the lives of individuals, including the most disadvantaged and vulnerable. Public institutions have historically struggled to adapt to digital innovations as quickly as the private sector and this is amply demonstrated in the policing sector.
Years of public spending cuts in the UK have caused the number of frontline police officers to fall by 20,000 over a decade. While there is a drive to reverse this decline, the nature of crime and policing has changed. For example, incidences of cyber-crime rose by 40% in 2022, compared to a global rate of 8% [1]. Tech crime requires tech solutions which can’t be provided by traditional methods of policing. Digital skills are, therefore, in huge demand to tackle this growing menace to individuals and businesses.
But that is only one example as to why the policing sector needs the same level of tech expertise which is invested in commerce and manufacturing. Salaried graduate schemes such as Police Now offer unique opportunities to transform communities and develop leadership skills. Becoming a police officer is just one of the options available. The need for extensive support services has never been stronger. Forensics, intelligence and data analysis, evidence gathering and even virtual policing are assuming greater importance.
The increasing complexity of modern policing has opened up the range of careers available to people with tech skills and a desire to make a difference. Traditional roles are changing and so too are the functions of policing support services in back-room administration as well as prevention, detection and prosecution.
There are also many aspects of policing which offer career benefits unique to the public sector. Salaries are surprisingly competitive, comfortably matching or surpassing those at similar levels in the private sector and often with shorter working hours. Flexible working is widely available. Training opportunities are extensive. The working culture is less demanding, offering a better work-life balance. Job security is also much higher, since the policing sector makes a substantial investment in its tech teams. The police service is not at the mercy of market trends or acquisitions by private equity firms, which makes the position of tech professionals far more stable. There are also several material benefits, including generous public sector pension schemes.
Policing may not be for everyone. Some people thrive on the volatility of the private sector, but if your priorities are job security, career prospects and a sense of contributing to building a better, safer society, then it’s a sector which you should consider as a serious option.
At Data Careers, we have many years of experience in matching people to their perfect roles. It’s our job to place candidates in rewarding, challenging careers. Why not contact us now to discuss how a career in policing could fulfil your aspirations.
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[1] https://www.thenationalnews.com/business/technology/2022/05/08/cyber-crime-rate-in-the-uk-higher-last-year-than-in-other-developed-nations/
