Joshua Howlett 

BSc Hons Police Studies with Criminal Investigations

Graduated 2022

What are your memories of being a student at BNU? My memories of studying at BNU are overwhelmingly positive. From the very first day, I was introduced to specialist facilities such as the Police Code of Practice Suite, which played a significant role in my decision to choose BNU. One of the most valuable experiences was taking part in operational policing lectures where we practised custody procedures, including booking in suspects and role-playing as custody sergeants. Alongside my academic studies, I thoroughly enjoyed my involvement in the rugby society. The strong sense of community created through sports and societies at BNU enhanced my overall student experience.

What advice could you give to recent graduates looking to get ahead?

I would strongly encourage graduates to set up and actively use LinkedIn. It is a valuable platform for maintaining professional connections, engaging with industry professionals, and accessing free courses that can complement academic learning.

I would also recommend making full use of the university’s careers service. Their guidance was instrumental in helping me prepare for assessment centres and interviews. Finally, maintaining contact with lecturers can be extremely beneficial, as they often have industry insight and can provide tailored advice on career progression and standing out during recruitment processes.

How did your degree at BNU impact your career?

My degree in Police Studies and Criminal Investigation provided a strong academic foundation for a career in law enforcement. It gave me a solid understanding of legal principles, critical thinking, and investigative processes, all of which proved invaluable during my initial training and beyond.

The criminal investigation modules were particularly beneficial, as they developed an investigative mindset that I now use regularly when completing searches, taking statements, and responding to incidents. This academic grounding has allowed me to approach operational challenges with confidence and professionalism.

Why did you join your course?

I joined the course because I had always aspired to a career in law enforcement. The combination of policing and criminal investigation appealed to me, as it offered insight into both public and private sector roles.

I believed that gaining an academic understanding of policing before entering the profession would better prepare me for operational work. In hindsight, this approach significantly enhanced my professional development and allowed me to refine essential skills in a safe, structured environment before applying them in practice.

What aspects of your studies did you most enjoy and why?

I particularly enjoyed the operational policing module, which provided a detailed understanding of the day-to-day realities of policing and how the role has evolved over time.

The criminal investigation modules in my second and third years were a highlight of the course. They explored how historic investigations into major crimes have shaped modern investigative practice and introduced key concepts such as criminal psychology, crime scene management, and evidence handling. These modules challenged me to think critically and develop an investigative mindset that continues to influence my professional practice.

Which parts of your student experience best prepared you for your job?

The degree as a whole prepared me well for my role as a prison officer. The criminal investigation modules strengthened my ability to complete reports, take statements, preserve evidence, and understand the importance of the chain of custody.

Practical sessions within the Code of Practice Suite were particularly valuable in developing my communication and interviewing skills. These skills are now central to my role, particularly during one-to-one prisoner interactions and post-incident investigations.

What are your major career milestones since completing your studies?

My first major milestone was being appointed as a prison officer. More recently, I successfully passed selection to work within the segregation unit, a highly specialised environment dealing with complex cases and multi-agency collaboration, including the police, probation, and the courts.

What are your future ambitions?

In the short term, my goal was to progress into the segregation unit, which I have now achieved. My longer-term ambitions include joining the National Dedicated Search Team and the Tornado Team, both of which operate at a specialist level within the prison service.

Ultimately, I aspire to become a prison governor, ideally specialising in security and intelligence—an area that has consistently interested me since my university studies and throughout my professional career.

What advice would you give to a student considering the course or a career in your sector?

For students considering a policing-related course at BNU, my advice would be to fully engage with the knowledge and experience that lecturers bring to the programme. Their operational insight adds significant value to academic learning.

For those considering a career in the prison service, effective communication is the most important skill you can develop. The ability to speak to people professionally, authentically, and empathetically is essential. While the role involves managing risk and safety, building trust through communication is often the most effective tool in maintaining control and professionalism.