We are delighted to say that 23 officers have so far chosen to join us through Police Now’s national graduate scheme to go straight into neighbourhood policing.

One of them is PC Charles McCarthy, who applied after originally embarking on a career in accounting and finance gained at Liverpool John Moores University.

“I had never really considered being a police officer until last year, although I had been told I would make a good one by my mother and my sister-in-law, who is also an officer,” he said. “Often while working, the radio would be on and there would be alarming incident reports mentioned, and this is what convinced me to join the police, to help make a difference.”

Away from work, Charles, an avid Evertonian, can usually be found at the gym with his partner. He enjoys a variety of sports, with his biggest love being Mixed Martial Arts.

Having trained and competed aged 12 to 21, Charles was President/Captain of the LJMU MMA Society at Uni, leading the team to become one of the most successful University MMA teams in the country. With his energy now focused on neighbourhood policing, Charles, 25, is excited be out in division serving the communities of West Lancashire.

He said: “My wish is that when my head hits the pillow, I have a sense of accomplishment by contributing to society and perhaps improving a person’s life. I am certain that being a PC will not only be a life-changing career and make me very happy, but also improve me as an individual.”