Inspector: Day in the life

My name is Ross McDermott and I am an Inspector, looking after the Norwich City Centre Safer Neighbourhood Team - Norfolk's largest and busiest urban area.

I am based at Bethel Street Police Station that's located in the centre of Norwich.

On early shifts (which are most common), a typical day will start at 5am when I get up, watch the news, and eat an early breakfast to provide much needed fuel for the day!

I get in to the police station at around 6.30am and review all recorded incidents, crimes, collected intelligence and activities of the officers in my area from the last 24 hours.

These incidents and crimes can be varied - shoplifting, anti-social behaviour, drink-fuelled violent crime which are all part of policing an exciting city like Norwich that boasts a thriving retail sector and a busy night life, with its pubs and clubs.

The reason why I look at this information is because I need to identify trends and patterns that are emerging and to decide how best to task my team of officers.

Working as a team

My team consists of Sergeants, PCs and PCSOs who come in at 8am when I hold a team meeting. I tell them what I've learnt from my review and discuss tasks relating to the crimes and incidents recorded.

Before sending them out, I ensure that the team are well presented with the correct uniform and kit.

It's important that the public has confidence in the police so I like to get out on patrol with my team, especially on late shifts. Getting out and dealing with the people face to face allows me to understand how my officers are relating to the public.

By spending time on the beat, I see the benefits of any work that's been done and can reward my officers or help them to improve how they do their job.

My team faces many challenges and it's my responsibility to help them adapt which is why communication plays a crucial part of my role.

Communication plays an important part at regular meetings I have with the other Inspectors and this helps us to keep Norfolk as one of the safest counties in the UK.

Communication is also about listening, and it's by listening to the public through surveys, meetings or while out and about on the street, that we find out what the public think are the issues that we need to resolve.

I work on these issues with partner agencies such as the city and county councils, schools, religious groups, community and voluntary groups etc. It’s a good opportunity to meet with agencies, partners or colleagues from other departments as it enhances our knowledge and helps us be more effective.

Other responsibilities

As an Inspector based in Norwich, I also command the policing of the city centre on Friday and Saturday nights, mainly on Prince Of Wales Road. I have been doing this one weekend every six weeks.

This is a demanding role where I am in charge of all the uniformed policing around the pubs, clubs and bars. I come on duty at 8pm, prepare to deliver a briefing to all the officers at 9pm and then get all the teams out on the street as soon as possible for the rest of the night, through until around 5am.

Overall, my role is challenging but thoroughly enjoyable, with the opportunity to make a positive difference to people’s lives every day. I am proud to be part of the Constabulary and deliver a service to the people of Norfolk.