‘I am who I am, and I’m not afraid to talk about my dyslexia’

13 March 2023

“When I was a young officer, one of my coping strategies would be to have a list of all the commonly used words written down in my notebook, which I could refer to it while out on the job,” says Hertfordshire Police Federation chair Luke Mitchell, who is marking the beginning of Neurodiversity Celebration Week by sharing his own experience of living with dyslexia. 

Luke was diagnosed with dyslexia - a learning difficulty that mainly affects a person’s reading and spelling skills - at around the age of 11.

Now, almost 30 years on and he tells how he is determined to encourage members to speak out about neurodiversity, and if they are living with their own condition - then it should be celebrated.

“I am who I am, and I’m not afraid to tell anyone about my dyslexia - and I definitely have an element of ADHD [Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder] in me as well. I think it’s important our members see that, and hopefully, it will empower them to have the same attitude,” said Luke.

“Everyone has their own niche, everyone is different and that’s what makes the Force what it is. Look, I wouldn’t want 24 Luke Mitchells in a team, but I do think we all bring something different to the table - and that for me, is probably enhanced because I have dyslexia.

“I know I think differently to my colleagues and fellow officers. I might not thrive academically, but I come with common sense and great communication skills, both of which have really helped me go far in the job.

“I think that’s why it makes me so angry that so many of the routes into policing these days require some sort of academic qualification - like the Degree-Holder Entry Programme. We are potentially missing out on some first-class officers, who yes, might not be academic but can bring some really great attributes to the Force.”

Looking back to when Luke was in Year 6 at school, he says he clearly ‘really struggled’ with reading and writing, which triggered his parents to pay for a private dyslexia assessment.

“Dyslexia was fairly unknown back then, so you didn’t get the free assessments or support you do now,” he explained.

“My Mum ended up paying privately for me to get assessed, which was a big deal. We didn’t have a lot of money, so she ended up working additional jobs just so I could have this assessment done.

“But it paid off because that’s when I was officially diagnosed. And actually, we recently paid for my son to be assessed, and he has dyslexia and small elements of dyspraxia too. I want to set an example for him too.”

Despite receiving very little support at school, Luke managed to gain five GCSEs from A to C, including a B and C in English and maths.

From there, he went on to study a BTEC at college, while volunteering as a Special before successfully applying to be an officer at the age of 20. 

“I’m not going to lie, those first 10 weeks in the job, I really struggled. Although I was a very good officer operationally, my files and paperwork were all over the place, and my sergeants could see that,” continued Luke, who was referred to the Probational Development Unit, who encouraged him to approach his job differently.

“I was lucky because I had a very good team around me, and fantastic sergeants but I created my own coping strategies too. If I need to double-check the spelling of a word or need paperwork proofing, I’m not afraid to shout up and ask somebody.”

Just shy of three years later and Luke went on to be promoted to sergeant having successfully passed the required exams. And last year was elected as branch chair for Hertfordshire Police Federation, after serving as vice-chair since 2018.

“I’ve always wanted to propel in my career, ever since the first day I joined the police,” said Luke.

“Being part of the Federation has allowed me to develop my aspirations, all the way up to branch chair, a job that I love. It is so varied, one day I can be meeting with MPs and the other, I’m out and about in Hertfordshire meeting our latest batch of fresh-faced new recruits. 

“And as chair, I now make it my mission to meet with every single new recruit and talk to them about two things, one, how I have dyslexia and secondly, about PTSD [Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder], by way of encouraging them to open up about their own mental health.

“As a police officer, it’s incredibly important for us to talk about how we are feeling. After all, whose brain wouldn’t be severely impacted by the things we see? I didn’t use to, and it really impacted my stress levels and wellbeing.”

Luke explained that over the past 12 months, he has also been working with a handful of male officers, supporting them as they receive an ADHD diagnosis and ensuring they have the correct support in place to help them fulfil their roles efficiently.

“These officers are all around 40-years-old and have just been diagnosed with ADHD - and it has changed their lives. They have had a really lonely time and all of a sudden, the world makes sense to them,” he explained.

“They are a small example of many others, who have either never been diagnosed with a neurodiverse condition or have been misdiagnosed.”

By sharing his story, Luke wants to reassure members that support from the Federation is there if they feel they need it.

“I really want to bust this myth that if you open up about how you are feeling, or if you are worried that you are living with a neurodiverse condition, you might get sacked, or it might prevent you from getting promoted,” he said.

“Throughout my 20 years of policing, I have taken time off work due to stress or anxiety, and look at me - that hasn’t held me back. If you need to, please don’t hesitate to reach out to your line manager, wellbeing support or the Federation.

“I want to reassure all members that you will not be penalised by the Federation if you need our support with your mental health or a neurodiverse condition. You will get the support you need.”