Wanting to work in the police from a young age, Yusuf became one of the first West Yorkshire Police cadets in 2018, which strengthened his belief that this was the right path for him. After winning several awards, most notably being named Cadet of the Year, Yusuf decided to pursue a professional qualification in the field.

“I like my job because I like to help people. In this field, you meet a lot of people at their worst, and have the chance to help them in a way you wouldn’t be able to in any other situation or job. Helping people is one of my root values that my parents and religion have always taught me,” Yusuf said.

Rejecting all his other university offers in favour of Leeds Trinity, Yusuf valued the one-to-one support and tight-knit community he has found at the University. He advises students interested in the Police Constable Degree Apprenticeship to “appreciate it to its full extent. You get academic support and so many opportunities. And ultimately, it’s an amazing life skill to learn – balancing work and education. It prepares you for higher-responsibility jobs.”

Although not without challenges, Yusuf’s studies reached a peak with his dissertation, which covers the process of socialisation of ex-gang members. Yusuf chose this topic because he is a firm believer that working with former offenders, support networks, and vulnerable young people, can deter them from choosing a life of crime. Looking at the needs before actions is a principle that Yusuf’s mother inspired.

Yusuf explained: “She works with children with special needs and has always explained to me that it’s more important to identify a need before it turns into an action, than finding the solution to that action. I am very passionate about implementing this in my work – approaching offenders with impartiality and no judgement. I owe it all to my parents, they’ve sacrificed a lot to get me and my siblings to where we are now. They kept me focused on my religion, my goals and my education, and I couldn’t have done it without them.”

Beth McCarthy, University Teacher in the School of Criminology, Investigation and Policing at Leeds Trinity University, said: “Yusuf has constantly exhibited his passion for Policing and multi-agency approaches within neighbourhood policing. His commitment to the programme has been continually evidenced, acknowledged by his consistent high outcomes. Yusuf also demonstrated his thorough understanding and knowledge when conducting his research project into socialisation processes of ex-gang members, identifying recommendations which can be utilised in the field. We at Leeds Trinity University wish Yusuf all the best in the future.”

The Police Constable Degree Apprenticeship at Leeds Trinity University is a work-based programme designed to provide the essential knowledge, understanding and skills required to operate effectively as a modern Police Officer. To find out more, please visit the website.