Public Services student turning classroom learning into real-life experience
A Barnsley College adult student is turning classroom learning into real-world experience by volunteering as an Appropriate Adult in a police custody suite alongside her Level 3 Access to Higher Education: Criminal Justice and Policing Studies course.
Justine Lavender, who is currently studying part-time while working as a Customer Services Supervisor at Barnsley Football Club, decided to return to education to pursue a long-standing interest in the Criminal Justice System.
“I’d always been interested in Criminology, but the time was never right,” said Justine. “As my children have gotten older, I wanted a career rather than just a job, and I knew this course would help me move into that field.”
Supporting vulnerable people in custody
Alongside her studies, Justine volunteers as an Appropriate Adult, supporting vulnerable individuals in police custody across West Yorkshire.
“When someone vulnerable is taken into custody, an Appropriate Adult must be present,” she explained. “We make sure they understand their rights, that they are treated fairly, and that their needs are met throughout the process.”
The role involves being present during key stages such as interviews, fingerprinting, and when detainees are charged or released, ensuring they fully understand what is happening.
Building confidence and changing perspectives
Although initially nervous, Justine quickly found the experience rewarding and transformative.
“I was so nervous the first time I went into custody on my own, but I really enjoy it now,” she said. “It’s helped me become more empathetic and less judgemental. You realise situations aren’t always as simple as they first seem.”
Through the role, she has developed key skills including patience, understanding and confidence, all of which have supported both her studies and career progression.
Bringing learning to life
Justine’s volunteering has allowed her to apply her classroom knowledge in a real-world setting.
“A lot of what I’ve studied, I’ve seen first-hand in custody,” she said. “It helps everything make more sense when you can connect theory to real experiences.”
She also gained valuable insight into how custody suites operate, from the range of roles involved to the realities of shift work and the volume of vulnerable individuals entering the system.
Shaping future career ambitions
The experience has played a key role in helping Justine refine her future career plans.
“It’s helped me realise I don’t want to work in custody full-time,” she said. “But it’s given me a clearer idea of where I do want to go.”
Justine has since applied for several police staff roles and has already received a conditional offer for a vetting officer position.
“My confidence from volunteering has definitely helped with applying and interviewing. I don’t think I would have gone for these roles without this experience.”
Inspiring others
Justine’s journey highlights the value of combining academic study with real-world experience.
Her story demonstrates how students can build confidence, develop practical skills, and take meaningful steps towards their future careers while studying.
If you are interested in pursuing a career in the Uniformed Services? We have a range of courses starting this September, including courses for school leavers, those returning to education and university-level qualifications.
