After completing his degree at Chester College of Higher Education, Darren Jacks joined North Wales Police in 1988. Following his two-year probation, he was posted as an outstation officer in Sealand, Deeside, where he served until 1992. He then transitioned to the Probationary Training Unit in Rhyl as a Tutor Constable, where he mentored new officers, providing them with essential skills in both procedural knowledge and practical policing.
In 1995, Darren earned a Master’s degree in Police Studies from the University of Exeter, with a dissertation focused on resource allocation challenges within North Wales Police. His work provided valuable insights for optimising organisational efficiency.
He was appointed as Staff Officer to the Assistant Chief Constable and Deputy Chief Constable. In this role, Darren became actively involved in the development of Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) technology. As secretary and a member of the ANPR Steering Group, he contributed to the strategic implementation of ANPR technology across the UK police service.
In 1996, Darren took up a post as a Patrol Sergeant in South Flintshire, where he led patrol teams and managed critical operational responses. Two years later, he was assigned to the Custody Unit at Mold, where he supervised custody operations, ensuring the welfare of detainees and adherence to legal protocols.
In 2000, Darren moved to the Area Control Room in Wrexham, overseeing real-time police operations and coordinating resources across the region. By 2003, he was appointed Neighbourhood Policing Sergeant for Wrexham, focusing on community engagement and building partnerships to address local issues until his retirement in 2018. During this period, he also served as a governor at Gwenfro CP School, eventually becoming Chair of Governors—a position he continues to hold.
Following his retirement, Darren joined the teaching team on the BSc (Hons) Professional Policing degree at Wrexham University in 2019. His teaching areas include evidence-based policing, community policing, and the criminal justice system. Darren holds a Postgraduate Certificate in Education and Training in Higher Education and a Postgraduate Certificate in Learning and Training in Higher Education (PgCLTHE). He is also a Fellow of the Higher Education Academy.
Additionally, Darren has undertaken training in immersive technology, which he enthusiastically incorporates into his teaching. His goal is to use innovative technology to create realistic, practical learning experiences that prepare students for the demands of modern policing and criminal justice work.