Police officer: Q&A

We asked PC Emma Drew some questions about being a police officer. 

 

Why did you become a police officer?

I decided I wanted to be a police officer when I was 11 years old as I wanted a job where I could help people. I liked the variety of the job, as every day would be different and unpredictable and presented a challenge that I was interested in.

The thought of being out and about, meeting and helping people, appealed to me, rather than being stuck in an office.

 

What do police officers do when they are at work?

Police officers do lots of different types of jobs but the police officers you see in uniform spend a lot of time trying to solve crime and help people.

A police officer will usually be assigned to one of the 52 Safer Neighbourhood Teams across Norfolk. Each team has priorities assigned to it. These are issues that residents living in the area would like to see resolved.

These issues can range from drug related issues or anti-social behaviour to parking or speeding concerns. It is this diverse mix of issues that makes the job varied, as we try to keep Norfolk as one of the safest counties. 

 

What happens if someone needs your help?

The police answer a call for help at the Contact and Control Room where an initial assessment is made as to the type of call, which can range from providing the caller with advice to dealing with emergency situations.

In an emergency, the Contact and Control Room uses a sophisticated vehicle tracking system called AVLS (Automatic Vehicle Location System). This ensures that the closest, most appropriate police resource is sent out, whether this be an immediate response vehicle, a safer neighbourhood policing car, or a specialist unit.

We could also be called on our radio, which is like a special mobile phone as you can even text from it! Our radios are designed in a way so that conversations cannot be overheard by people using radio scanners.

In addition, they have an inbuilt navigation system that allows the Contact and Control Room to track us, which means that if I require immediate assistance, I can push an emergency button and everybody will know where I am, without me even needing to speak!

 

What do you carry when you're at work?

I carry lots of different things and most of them are to help keep me safe, like my radio, CS spray and a baton.

The most usual type of baton is called a "PR24" and when fully extended is 24" long. This can be used to protect members of the public or myself by using special striking and blocking moves that I've been taught. It can also be used to restrain someone who is violent.

I also have to carry handcuffs everywhere I go that would be used to restrain someone or prevent them from trying to escape.

As there is a lot of paperwork involved, I need to keep notes, so a pocket note book is essential. 

 

How can I find out more?

The Norfolk Police main website has a section on there about being a police officer.

I would also recommend the website Police Could You? It even includes a 'Test your judgement' section that tests your decision-making skills in real-life situations to see if you have what it takes to be a good police officer.