Behind the Badge - "We're the public, you're the public"

“We’re the public, you’re the public”

Lily works as part of the neighbourhood police team in Nuneaton. She talked to us about her role and what got her into policing.

Read her story to get an insight #BehindtheBadge:

"It’s a job where you don’t know what you’re walking into, and that’s quite exciting.

"When you get a break to eat your lunch, that’s a good day! But really, I love helping people.

"I’ve always wanted to make people’s lives better, protect people. Ultimately, that is the best part of my job.

"I joined the police when I was 19. My dad used to watch Vera on TV all the time.

"I used to watch and think, ‘Ah, that’s so cool, rocking around in a Land Rover, solving crimes! I’ve now spent three and a half years as a patrol officer, and spent the last year in the Safer Neighbourhood Team in Nuneaton."

"When I was on Patrol, it was all about getting people out of danger.

"In the neighbourhood team, we’re still front-line responders, but we try to build up relationships with people in the community.

"Is there a divide between the public and the police? I think it depends on who you’re dealing with; we are all just trying to get by, and we will do the best job we can.

"There’s a nice Robert Peel quote in there somewhere. We’re the public, you’re the public. We want everyone to be happy and healthy, and living their best lives.

"You always think it’s going to be like that – and it is, for the most part. You do go from job to job, getting into the deep end. 

"That’s down to Vera and too much telly I suppose. I’m going to get my Land Rover and drive around until I’m 60!"

#BehindtheBadge helps you meet some of the people behind the scenes or ‘behind the badge’ here at Warwickshire Police.

Here, they share their stories, telling you how they feel about their work and helping you to understand more about the people who work in policing in our county.

Did you see Beth’s story about working in the control room? We’ll share more stories over the days and weeks to come so watch this space.

Find out more about #BehindtheBadge on our dedicated webpage.