'My police officer mum inspired me to become a PC'

Nottinghamshire Police Charlie Bone with his mother Victoria at a police building. He is wearing a police helmet and jacket with a police badge, she is wearing a half-zipped black jacket, white shirt and black tie. Nottinghamshire Police
Charlie Bone will be joining a response team in Mansfield

"Ever since she joined, I've wanted to become a police officer as well. I once saw her on Sky News and that inspired me."

The words of trainee officer Charlie Bone as he reveals how his mother's work with Nottinghamshire Police over the past seven years convinced him to follow in her footsteps.

The 20-year-old has just completed the first part of his training with the force and is now getting ready to join up with a response team.

It comes seven years after his mother, Victoria, launched her own policing career.

She currently works as a constable within the force's internet child exploitation team, having previously worked on response.

Nottinghamshire Police New recruits posing for a group photo at a passing out paradeNottinghamshire Police
Charlie was among 15 new recruits who took part in a passing out parade on Friday

"I'm fortunate that I've got my mum. She's really encouraged me and given me lots of excellent advice," said Mr Bone.

"She's told me to take note of everything, pay attention and be switched on. She's also said to ask for help if I need it because it's important to get things right."

Joining him at a passing-out parade on Friday, his mother said: "He's a really good lad. He can talk to anybody and everybody. He's polite, he's courteous, he's got his head screwed on and has a really good work ethic.

"He's not afraid of hard work and will be the first to put himself forward for overtime. He's always been someone who perseveres and knuckles down.

"To see him here today is an immensely proud moment for me and the whole family."

Mr Bone, who is on a three-year training programme, will now join the Mansfield response team to gain more experience.

"I'm excited. I've met the team already and it sounds like I'll be really busy," he said.

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