Behind the Badge - "By becoming a detective, I've opened the door to many more experiences and opportunities!”

"By becoming a detective, I've opened the door to many more experiences and opportunities!"

Detective Constable Donna Parry works in the Domestic Abuse and Rape Team (DART). She talks to us about her motivation for becoming a detective and the opportunities she's getting as a result. 

Read her story to get an insight #BehindtheBadge:

"I always wanted to be a Detective. When I joined the police though, I found myself enjoying being in uniform much more than I’d anticipated.

"After gaining experience in Patrol and Safer Neighbourhood Team (SNT) roles over a few years, and with my children now being a little older, I decided to take the plunge and train to become a Detective."

"There isn’t always a new ‘live’ job every day, so we’re trusted to get on with our investigations.

"There’s lots of support from the team and supervision and help to manage priorities and risks.

"While the cases can be difficult, there’s a real professional approach amongst the team, who are driven, but personable, so I’m still able to make friends and enjoy being at work.

"I was nervous that I would be late home all the time, but since starting in the role almost a year ago now I have only been late off shift a handful of times.

"I wasn’t forced to stay on but it was when I was working with my team to remand some really dangerous individuals, so it felt like the right thing to do.

"There’s flexibility in the role to get out of the office, conduct enquiries, make arrests and manage my daily demand effectively.

"It’s a challenging role, and there are many of those in policing, but I’ve never felt so appreciated and been thanked so much for doing my job.

"I feel really respected and have enjoyed my court experiences, as the barrister will engage me in discussing my views and my input is valued in decision making.

"I genuinely feel that I am helping people and making a difference. My work is meaningful, rewarding and I feel that by becoming a detective I have opened the door to many more experiences and opportunities."

Have you read Calum's experiences being part of the SNT and managing the local Facebook account or seen Lily's story about why she became a PC?

Did you watch Linda's video about the joy of being a Police Community Support Officer (PCSO) or catch our video about “Swiss Army knife” police dog Freddie and his handler Liam? 

We’ll share more stories in the weeks to come so watch this space.

Find out more about #BehindtheBadge on our dedicated webpage.