My policing journey began in 2009 when I joined Leicestershire Police as a Special Constable while still at university. Balancing academic life with the demands of policing was challenging, but it provided me with valuable insight into the importance of both reactive and proactive policing in maintaining community safety. Working alongside local response teams, I responded to calls for service and engaged with the community during neighbourhood events, learning the significance of building strong relationships with those we serve.
As I gained experience, I was entrusted with greater responsibilities, eventually becoming a Special Sergeant. In this role, I led operations aligned with the force’s priorities, guiding my team to support local neighbourhood initiatives. Before becoming a full-time Police Constable, I also worked at Mansfield House as a local support team officer at the front desk. This provided me with invaluable insights into another aspect of policing, one that often operates behind the scenes but is equally important.
In 2013, I transitioned into a full-time role as a Police Constable. My time as a PC was varied - I worked on the Local Investigation Team, responded to emergencies, contributed to a project team focused on improving operational capability, trained in the control room, and concluded my service as a Detective Constable in CID. Each role added a new dimension to my understanding of policing and honed my investigative skills.
In 2021/2022, I made the significant decision to transfer to the British Transport Police (BTP), joining the Midlands CID team as a Detective Constable. The application process was smooth and well-organised, with regular updates that made the transition feel seamless. The three weeks of training in London provided a deep understanding of how BTP operates and the unique challenges of policing the railway environment.
Upon joining CID with BTP, I quickly encountered the distinctive challenges posed by the railway setting, where geography plays a crucial role in crime dynamics. My work involved addressing a broad spectrum of crimes, from minor offences to serious, complex investigations. This experience expanded my investigative expertise and deepened my understanding of the unique demands of railway policing.
After a year with CID, I seized the opportunity to move to the County Lines Development Unit. This role has been particularly rewarding, allowing me to tackle serious and complex crimes with a strong focus on safeguarding and partnership collaboration. The nature of County Lines crime has taken me across the country, working with various agencies and communities to address the significant challenges posed by these operations.
Working as a Detective Constable in the County Lines Development Unit with the British Transport Police (BTP) has been an incredibly rewarding experience. The unique challenges of tackling county lines crime, which often involves vulnerable individuals and spans across different regions, have pushed me to develop my skills and expertise further.
The collaborative environment within BTP, where we work closely with various agencies and communities, has been key in effectively addressing the complexities of county lines operations. Every day brings a new challenge, and the opportunity to make a real impact by safeguarding those at risk and disrupting criminal networks is deeply fulfilling.
The BTP’s specialised focus on the railway network adds an extra layer of complexity to the role, as we navigate the unique dynamics of crime within this environment. The support, training, and resources provided by BTP have equipped me to face these challenges head-on, and the sense of purpose and camaraderie within the unit makes it a truly positive place to work.
From my early days as a Special Constable in Leicester to my current role with BTP, I’ve been fortunate to develop a wide range of skills and gain diverse experiences that have truly shaped my career in policing. My journey continues with the British Transport Police, where I’ve been able to gain specialised training and further enhance my skill set.
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