An Abbots Langley police officers who was diagnosed with autism appeared on national television to raise awareness of the condition.
Marcus Zost, 31, who is part of the Abbots Langley Safer Neighbourhood Team, appeared on BBC One’s Morning Live programme on July 15.
In an interview with TV presenter Rav Wilding, Marcus spoke about how his diagnosis impacted him and his role in the force.
Although Marcus, who first joined the constabulary when he was just 18 years old as a volunteer Special, was diagnosed as being dyslexic when he was 21 years old, he has only recently been formally diagnosed as autistic.
Marcus said he wants to remind others with a neurodiverse condition that they shouldn’t be deterred from applying to policing jobs.
He said: “I want people to know that having a neurodiverse condition does not exclude you from joining policy.
“People aren’t always the same and some of us have hidden disabilities but that is OK and you can be who you want to be.
“When I was officially diagnosed as autistic it made sense to me and explained a few things. I realise now that some of my ‘autistic’ traits have been of benefit to me in policing.”
Marcus also has an excellent ability to remember registration plates and can respond quickly whilst out on patrol.
He said: “I was able to identify a pattern in criminal offending that linked two incidents that were thought to be unrelated. I then analysed ANPR (Automatic Number Plate Recognition) data and managed to link a vehicle that present at both locations.
“I found out that the vehicle was registered in the north and using my knowledge in plate patching, I was able to determine the vehicle was on cloned plates, in turn giving officers information in real time to assist with the incident and make an arrest.”
0 Comments