Michael sets his sights on Borneo after graduation

Michael Waller won’t be sitting on his laurels after graduating – he’s taking a break from volunteering with the probation service to head to Borneo.

The 22-year-old of Fishburn, County Durham, graduated with a first class BSc (Hons) Crime and Investigation degree. His work also earned him the Cleveland Police Prize for his dissertation, which looked at how the zero tolerance attitude to crime was brought from New York to North-east England.

Michael said: 'In one module I studied the American criminal justice system and came across links between New York’s zero tolerance policing and its introduction to the North East of England. I was surprised that the town where I was studying was so pivotal in this policing initiative. I felt would be fascinating to research.

'It was a real shock when my dissertation won the Cleveland Police prize, but it’s really great that my work has received such recognition.'

Volunteer mentor in Hartlepool with Durham Tees Valley Probation Trust Michael is aiming to work in the probation service and is currently a volunteer mentor in Hartlepool with Durham Tees Valley Probation Trust.

'I want to work in probation services and I am currently a volunteer mentor, offering advice and support to people seeking help if they’re relocating or need referring to agencies working in drug and alcohol issues.'

But he is taking a break from the probation service in January to join a ten week expedition to Borneo with Raleigh International.

He said: 'During the expedition I will be involved in an array of sustainability projects such as building a conservation centre for the almost endangered Sun Bear, maintaining water feed systems for remote villages, a diving coral conservation project and working with a charity helping to get young children into education.

'I’ve been doing a lot of research ahead of the expedition and have had to raise £1,000 towards the trip,' said Michael, who has sought sponsorship from individuals, organisation and businesses, worked part-time and organised raffles.

'I’ve also been able to use the £500 from the Cleveland Police prize to extend my trip to Borneo for an additional week,' he added.

Michael, a former pupil of Sedgefield Community College, added: 'University wasn’t something I’d thought seriously about when I was at college but I realised it was a great way of getting more life experience, which is what the trip to Borneo will do.

'I wanted to come to Teesside to study as it has great links with the police, which really helped while I was studying. The campus is great and Teesside was a really great experience for me. I really enjoyed it and already miss my time there.'

For more information about Michael's expedition or make a donation securely online visit www.justgiving.com/michaelwaller.

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