PC Attard is our Safe Schools Officer at In Toto Ed. As a Police Schools Officer, his role is slightly different to other police officers; to stop young people being criminalised and to support them into making positive changes in their lives.  

“A little about me: I was raised in Hackney, went to school in Bethnal Green, and I am married with four daughters. 

I had a violent father; my parents broke up when I was 16 years old. I’ve slept on the streets, stayed at Centre Point, stayed at a Women’s Aid refuge, and got in trouble with police (nothing serious!). I’ve had many jobs ranging from a postman, film extra, train driver, and I’ve worked in a Theatre. I believe my background helps me to connect with some of the students who are finding life difficult at the moment, as I’ve been in their shoes. 

I left school with no qualifications, but gained a Maths and English qualification by attending evening college. I went on to get a degree in Philosophy and Screenwriting when I was 42, and became a trustee at the Women’s Aid refuge I had once stayed at. I met and married a woman with three young children, adopted them all, and was a house-husband for 9 years. I became a voluntary Special Police Constable at the age of 49, then joined as a regular Police Officer at 51.  

It’s never too late or too early to change your attitude or your future - no matter how hard life feels at the moment. To all those struggling and who feel they have no future - you do! If I 

can change, you can change. 

I also found out 5 months ago, at the age of 59, that I have ADHD.”