A mother and her son are fighting crime together in the same police force – after she was originally rejected for being too SHORT.
Ethan Lang, 20, has just qualified as a police constable and has joined mum Lara, 50, who both work for Leicestershire Police.
Pint-sized Lara worked as a nurse for 27 years before joining the force in August 2017 when the height restriction was reduced from 5ft 6ins.
Son Ethan volunteered as a special while he studied at college before training to become a full-time PC.
Seven weeks ago he completed his training and now they have been posted to work alongside each other at Euston Street police station in the city.
They are believed to be the first mother and son police officers working side by side in the UK to work.
Lara said: “I’d always wanted to be a police officer, even as a child.
“But back then at the point of entry there was a height restriction and you had to be at least 5ft 6ins and I’m only 5ft 3ins.
“I went to work for the NHS and achieved a lot.
“I had a senior position, tutored and taught at university and I was the lead nurse for the
local health authority.
“But I was completely ready for a new challenge and the police was it.
“The height restriction was removed and I began working as a special as part of the response team at Braunstone for 15-months, alongside being a nurse.
“When the option came to apply for a full-time position at the force, it was a straight forward decision.
“I had an amazing time as a special and so to be able to convert that into my career really didn’t require too much thinking.”
Ethan decided to follow in his mum’s footsteps after seeing how much she enjoyed her new career.
He said: “To be honest, I always thought I would go into journalism.
“But, I saw the work my mum did as a special and how much she enjoyed it and that encouraged me to give it a go.
“Just like her, I enjoyed being a special so much that it lead me to apply for a full-time position.
“We have sat in on the same briefings and there has been a couple of instances where I have been out on a job and my mum has arrived later on.
“There are a few jokes every now and then within the team, but it’s all good fun.
“We have a good relationship so it’s actually quite nice that we get a chance to work together.”
Despite being at differing stages of their careers, both have high hopes for their new found roles.
Lara said: “I have big aspirations for my career with the police.
“I have been enrolled on a fast-track pathway and I am looking to move up the ranks to inspector very soon.
“I’m keen to make a difference to both the public and all of our officers, as a champion of welfare and well-being this is something that I’m extremely passionate about.”
Ethan added: “Right now I’m really happy with where I am. I feel so lucky to be able to do a job that I absolutely love.
“I’ve got time on my side so I don’t need to rush into anything.
“I can look into promotions many years down the line, but for now, I just want to get plenty of experience under my belt and try and learn as much as possible.”
By Arun Lal