Identical twins fulfil childhood dream of becoming police officers

Elin and Lisa grew up on a farm in Bryncir, Gwynedd, but always dreamed that they would one day become police officers.

When they were eight years old, their father tragically died following a sudden heart attack.

It was during this traumatic time in their lives that they first became interested in North Wales Police.

Lisa said: “I can still remember two lovely police officers comforting us at the most difficult time in our lives.

“Before that moment, I’d always thought police officers were scary, but from that day onwards they inspired me. They were there for us at our darkest time and helped us to process what had happened.

“It was from then on that we both wanted to help others the way those officers helped us.”

The two sisters finished their time at school and completed their A levels before getting jobs together at a local primary school and evening jobs at Asda.

Elin said: “We used to work in a primary school 9am until 3pm, and then in Asda from 4pm until 10pm.

“We worked there for three years to improve our English and progressed to becoming duty manager and section leader.”

Outside of work, Elin and Lisa enjoy playing football, both playing for Caernarfon, alongside their brother who is the team’s manager.

Lisa said: “We love playing football and being part of the community that comes with it, that’s why we decided to start an under-eight’s girls football team.

“It has been so fulfilling to see young girls get into the sport, develop their skills and most importantly learn to work as a team.”

Their love for their community inspired them to make a difference on the streets as well as on the pitch.

So, earlier this year the pair decided to take the next step in their careers and pursue their childhood dream of becoming police officers.

Elin said: “We decided to apply together because we have always done everything together since we were little. We are so happy to be going through the process together we will support each other in our new careers.”

They were both successful in passing the recruitment process and began their initial training in St Asaph in June this year.

Lisa added: “The application process was challenging but not more than we expected. We are now over halfway through our training and are enjoying the process so far.

“I was nervous about the role play scenarios but having taken part in three so far, I’ve enjoyed it and have learned how to deal with different situations.

“We get a lot of support from the trainers who are helping us to become more confident before we start as response police officers. They want the best for all of us who are in training.”

Another area the sisters are being supported with is their language skills.

Elin said: “Our first language is Welsh. We don’t speak English at home, so this was something we were also nervous about.

“However, the force has been very supportive to help us to learn in Welsh and improve our English at the same time.”

After their initial training is finished, the twins will be placed in the Gwynedd South district where they will join as response police officers, reacting to emergency calls, supporting victims of crime and tackling anti-social behaviour.

Thinking about what lies ahead of them, Lisa said: “I’m most looking forward to making a positive difference in people’s lives, working to reduce crime and improve the community to make it safer for those around us.

“The most challenging part of the job will be attending traumatic incidents. But I am ready to attend them knowing the officers who faced those same incidents are the ones who changed my life and inspired us both to join the police. I hope I can have that same impact on someone’s life.”

Elin added: “We’re looking forward to our future careers in policing and hope to make a difference in people’s lives every day.

“Doing it together will make it even more rewarding.”