Stowmarket student Crystal given chance to meet chief constable

A West Suffolk College student from Stowmarket has been given the opportunity to meet the Chief Constable of Norfolk Constabulary to talk about her dreams of becoming a police officer.

Crystal Beckett, 18, who is studying a level three business course at the college, attended a speed networking event with business leaders on November 8, as part of the college’s Global Enterprise Week and met Gina Long, the founder of the GeeWizz charity.

She said: “Gina sat with me and asked what I want to do. I approached her at the end as she said she would give me her contact details.

“When I emailed later within 15 minutes she phoned me to explain she had been in touch with chief constable Simon Bailey, who was keen to meet me. I was really shocked but knew I had to take this opportunity.”

The student, who has wanted to be a police officer since she was 12, said she is over the moon for the chance to go to Norfolk Police’s headquarters in Wymondham and discuss work experience options to achieve her dream.

She said: “It just shows how passionate he is about what he does and his willingness to give young people like me a chance.

“I feel like I can get expert advice that could really help me go far and make a successful career as a police officer. It means everything to me as I really want to make a difference.”

Gina Long was really pleased she could help Crystal and hoped the annual event would continue to help.

She said: “This to me magnifies what the Global Enterprise Week is all about, the fact that Crystal is being able to directly speak to Simon Bailey and for him to take my call and be happy to meet her is a total reflection of how important this week is.

“I hope more business leaders can join us in 2020 and help more people like Crystal achieve their dreams.”

Business leaders wanting to be involved in the 2020 event, email info@geewizzcharity.com