A Hertfordshire Police Federation member has told how he felt like Russell Crowe’s character in the film Gladiator on his first day on the job.

PC Robin Anyadiegwu said he received “an exceptional reception” from his colleagues when he walked into Hertford station, likening it to the famous scene when Maximus Decimus Meridius entered the arena in the Hollywood blockbuster.

Robin said: “The reception I received when I first walked inside the police station where I’m based was exceptional.

“It made me feel like Russell Crowe in Gladiator, when he walks inside the Coliseum and is cheered by the audience and the spectators.

“That feeling was the same I had when I walked inside the police station.

 

PC Robin Anyadiegwu (right) met Hertfordshire Chief Constable Charlie Hall when he graduated as an officer last October.

 

“I see it even now when I see other new officers joining our police station. Everyone is interested to know you.

“The feeling I had that day was remarkable.

“There are challenges, as there are in any workplace, but I do enjoy it.”

Robin said it was during his time as a doorman working in Glasgow that he first thought about joining the police.

Robin, who graduated as an officer last October, explained: “It was very challenging and many times we had to deal with customers who created an issue and needed to be removed from the premises.

“Struggles would ensue and we had to liaise with the police quite extensively. 

“That was when I saw how police officers dealt with these incidents.

“They were very professional and very helpful and I learned to appreciate the job they do.

“I thought I might be a good fit for it and started researching what it takes to become a police officer.

“I thought I was a good match and I felt it was the right thing to do.”

Robin, who was born and raised in Italy in a family of Nigerian heritage, is sharing his story to mark Black History Month.

And he explained why he joined Hertfordshire Police.

“I researched where I wanted to become an officer and I found that Hertfordshire Police was committed to promoting inclusion, diversity and equality,” he said.

 

PC Robin Anyadiegwu when he worked as a doorman in Glasgow.

 

“I’m not suggesting other forces don’t but there was something that pushed me towards Hertfordshire.

“They always say follow your heart and my heart was telling me to go there.

“I sent the application and within a week I got a response from the force to say it had been accepted.

“It looked like it was destiny.”

He added: “This job is challenging and keeps you on your toes.

“I love the fact that every day is different. You deal with similar jobs, but each job is different.”

Speaking with Hertfordshire Police Federation, Robin opened up about the racist abuse he’s received from the public while on the beat.

And he also spoke about the support he received following those incidents.

Robin said: “Being a police officer from a minority ethnic group, unfortunately we sometimes get racial abuse from the public.

“I’ve been a victim a number of times, and it’s not just myself but other colleagues have also shared their concerns.

“I’ve received massive support from the Force. They’ve always been very supportive.”

Robin also opened up about his mental health struggles ahead of World Mental Health Day on October 10.

He said a combination of things, including work pressures and the racial abuse, impacted his emotional wellbeing and forced him to take some time off work earlier in the year.

“The Force has wellbeing champions who are staff members and police officers who invest time in helping their colleagues get through tough times,” he said.

“If you need a chat because of your mental health, or any issues whatsoever they’re there to help you.

“I had a lot of help from them, from our EAP (employee assistance programme) and took some time off.

“I received a lot of help which is why I’m very happy to work in this organisation.

“If you’re worried about your mental health there is help out there. Speak to your Federation rep, speak to the Force and get the help you need,” he added.

READ MORE: World Mental Health Day - Members urged to look after their wellbeing.