"Janet always wanted to be a police officer. Growing up, she would sit beside her uncle, who had been chief constable, listening intently to his tales of the job—stories filled with bravery, camaraderie, and the occasional humour that only those in law enforcement could appreciate. The desire to don the uniform and protect her community coursed through her veins. However, when she turned 18 and applied for the Surrey Police, she faced disappointment as she failed the selection process. Undeterred, she joined the special constabulary in Nottinghamshire, where she learned the ropes of policing, even though the ongoing failures in her applications for the regular service felt like a persistent shadow looming over her aspirations.

It was during a heartfelt conversation with her brother that the spark of hope reignited. He informed her that Sussex Police were seeking recruits. The excitement bubbled up inside her as she envisioned herself wearing the badge she so dearly coveted. In 2003, after rigorous training and determination, she finally passed the fitness test. Her first posting at Brighton was a blend of nostalgia and novelty, where she was immersed in old-school processes—making tea for her colleagues as a rite of passage before stepping into a police car. Each sip of that tea felt like a connection to those stories from her uncle, a small reminder of where she came from and the journey ahead.

Yet, as she transferred to Nottinghamshire, the reality hit hard. The stark contrast between her experiences in Brighton and Nottinghamshire was shocking. The lack of staff and resources forced her into situations where she had to rely solely on her instincts and skills. Unlike Brighton, where support was always a radio call away, here she had to navigate the challenges independently. It was a steep learning curve, but Janet was resolute. With grit, she took her detective exams, transforming her into a competent investigator. Each case was not just a job but a puzzle she was determined to solve—a testament to her dedication.

Despite the challenges, Janet’s transition to Nottinghamshire often felt like a backward step. The outdated practices she encountered were immensely frustrating. While Sussex embraced modern techniques, Nottinghamshire seemed entrenched in the past, making her feel out of place. She often reflected on how different things could be, fuelling her drive to advocate for change in policing methods.

As she tackled high-profile cases that captured public attention, including one notorious suspect who received a staggering 32-year prison sentence , Janet found her true calling. It was a particular case involving stalkers that struck a chord with her. Drawing on her empathy and understanding, she successfully obtained the first non-domestic stalking protection notice in the UK. It was a landmark achievement that made headlines, but she was not just a figurehead; she was deeply involved, reviewing investigations meticulously. Her recommendations led to actionable outcomes that resulted in prosecutions, giving a voice to victims who often felt powerless. Each successful case reinforced Janet’s commitment to ensuring justice, leaving an indelible mark on her career and the community she served.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.