Nottinghamshire Police – Rewarding roles
We asked a Royal Navy Veteran about their transition and new career in policing.
What motivated you to join Nottinghamshire Police?
It stemmed from my time in the Royal Navy. Before joining, I Served as a writer, handling administrative duties such as pay, leave and travel, as well as being a personal assistant to high-ranking officers. I was one of the earlier female sailors at sea, so I was also trained in firefighting and was part of the boarding party. I was aspiring to become a Regulator in the Royal Navy Police but, despite passing my course, there were shortages in my branch which prevented the transfer.
In 2003, I applied to become a police officer, but I didn’t pass the paper sift. I was encouraged to apply for a role in the control room as a call handler, highlighting how my Navy skills were transferable, and I successfully joined in September 2004.
After 18 months, I felt I could do more good out on the street, so I applied to become a police community support officer. Working in St Ann’s in Nottingham, I thrived as the area’s schools officer and created the community rangers’ scheme to bridge the gap between generations and engage young people in improving their neighbourhood. I was a PCSO for several years before I applied to become a police staff investigator – a role I’ve been doing for the last 12 years. I began in the criminal investigations department before transferring to the public protection unit. There, I worked on the adults team, handling high-risk domestic abuse and sexual offences, before I moved to the sexual exploitation investigation unit. I now work in MOSOVO, managing sexual and violent offenders in the community.
What do you enjoy most about your current role?
I find my role incredibly rewarding. I take pride in investigating crimes, supporting victims, and ensuring offenders are brought to justice — especially when their actions result in long custodial sentences. Throughout my career, I’ve been fortunate to work alongside brilliant colleagues, which has made every role fulfilling. Work has never felt like a chore; in fact, some of the best days are those that begin with executing warrants and end with successfully remanding a suspect into custody after a long, demanding shift.
What advice would you give to people considering joining Nottinghamshire Police?
Policing isn’t for everyone, but Nottinghamshire Police offers a wide range of roles that may suit your skills, so I’d encourage anyone to give it a go. Over the past 21 years, I’ve had the opportunity to experience several different positions within the organisation, each bringing new challenges and rewards.
Nottinghamshire Police is an inclusive organisation to work for. Having previously Served in the Royal Navy, it was nice to feel the same sense of camaraderie and the feeling that everyone is part of one team and are all there for each other.
Please visit: www.nottinghamshire.police.uk/careers to see current vacancies. Additionally, you can request further information by emailing: recruitment@notts.police.uk
