New Herts police officer gets late father’s warrant number

New Hertfordshire PC David Morton wears his late father’s collar number 1581 with pride.

Student police officer David, who passed out from initial training recently, was only 11 years old when his father was tragically killed in a microlight crash.

PC Andy Morton, who served in our road policing unit, sadly died in 2004, alongside friend and colleague, Sgt Ian Alexander.

David, who is now 29, served almost three years with Hertfordshire Constabulary as a PCSO before embarking on his police officer training.

He said: “I found being a PCSO extremely rewarding, and it helped to develop me as a person while giving me a window into the day to day demanding work expected of a constable.

“This was the perfect steppingstone for me to fully commit to the decision to become a police constable, which was a lifelong interest of mine.”

He explained: “My interest in the police and specifically Hertfordshire Constabulary stemmed from my late father, who had served as a constable in Hertfordshire for 22 years when he sadly passed when I was 11 years old.

“I was part of the Watford police cadets between the ages of 15 and 18 then went onto work a ‘normal’ job until I decided to apply for the role of PSCO at the age of 25 starting in June of 2019, I really enjoyed my role and helping the community I served but I always felt I could offer more so applied to become a police constable and started my training in March of this year.

“A particular highlight for me was requesting and being assigned my Dad’s warrant number of 1581 which I now wear with pride, reminding me of him every time I wear my uniform.

“The training was a brilliant and overwhelming experience at times, but the trainers were extremely helpful in ensuring my success on the course and I couldn’t wait to get back to the front line to help and protect the public.”

We are still recruiting PCSOs and police officers. Find out more about both roles and how to apply at www.herts.police.uk/careers