Inspector Vinny Wagjiani

Growing up never did I think policing was a career for me. The stereotype first generation parent view was that I would become a doctor, dentist, accountant or involved in a family business.

Having worked in the private sector and completed my undergraduate and post graduate degrees I worked as a forensic imagery analyst, that was until I began getting excited about the work our clients (the police) were doing.

It was my best-man who is also a fellow police officer that encouraged me to join, you’ll love it son! I think he said. So, I did, well where has the time gone 20 years later and I represent Kent having learnt my craft as a rookie cop in the Metropolitan Police, growing at Surrey into a detective sergeant and now maturing to the rank of detective inspector for Kent Police.

By putting others before you, you begin your journey into a life of service, I am fortunate to have served communities in three diverse communities London, Surrey and now Kent and boy it has been a blast. I’ve had some great days and some not-so-great days. I have laughed and cried and created memories I will treasure for the rest of my life.

Policing has given me the confidence to do more and that is to live for a higher purpose. I have now begun to widen my life of service and volunteer as a chair of School Governors to support education deliver the best for children and young people, I am part of a group of trustees that bring isolated men from our local community to connect and have purpose by being shoulder to shoulder to build things, I sit as a national police lead for the Health Practice Associates Council to ensure public safety by regulating unregulated health care professionals, I coach children and young people to help realise their dreams and also organise a charity event to remember officers that have died on and off duty.

I don’t think in my wildest dreams I would be doing this if I did not have the right people surrounding me when I wanted to make a difference.

There is no greater reward than living a life of service, being grateful for the people who have supported me has allowed for a space of generosity to emerge to just help others be a better version than they want to be.

I would like to think I am living my legacy rather it being an afterthought and this congruency leaves me with peace.

Born in the Met | Raised in Surrey | Living it in Kent