“Ask yourself: Am I motivated to serve the public? Would I run towards danger while others are running away? Am I ready for a life less ordinary? If the answer is yes to all of these, then go for it.”
That’s the advice of Chief Inspector Siobhan Jones, who joined the force in 1996.
A former radiographer, CI Jones said that even though she enjoyed her work, she knew she wanted more.
“Even though radiography was a graduate profession and I worked at a major trauma centre, it felt very ‘routine’ and I just couldn’t see myself doing that for 40 years,” she said. “I knew I wanted to help and protect people, and I’ve always been someone who would put myself in harm’s way to protect others but didn’t quite know which path to take.
“I had lots of friends who were police officers though and they spoke passionately about their work and it was then that I knew it was what I wanted to do and I couldn’t settle until I was appointed as a constable.”
CI Jones started her career on the beat at Peterlee but has experienced several roles the force has to offer across the county.
She explained: “I now have 28 years’ service and am approaching retirement but I am as passionate about policing now as I ever was.
“I have been posted to every part of the Constabulary area, and have worked in Response, Neighbourhoods, Crime, Custody, Cohesion, and the Licensed Economy Team at various points and at various ranks.
“I have been a member and subsequently force lead for the Police Liaison Team, actively engaging with protest groups before, during and after protests and political events to ensure the public are able to exercise their convention rights peacefully and safely.
“I am public order trained and for the last three years, I have been a Chief Inspector in Local Policing as well as a Tactical Firearms Commander.”
CI Jones said being a police officer is “just the best job ever” and while there’s too many standout moments to mention, being part of a team doing rewarding work is what she will remember most.
“I could tell hundreds of stories about the crimes I’ve investigated, the criminals that I have secured custodial sentences for, the fascinating people I have met during my protest work, and the challenging but rewarding work of firearms command,” she said.
“But the thing I will treasure most is the amazing friends I have made over the years and the camaraderie of working as part of a team.”
So if you are motivated to serve your community, would run towards danger while others are running away and ready for a life less ordinary, then we want to hear from you!
PC recruitment is open until September 30. Apply now here.
South West Durham News covering news across County Durham.
