What is a police officer?

Would you like to know what a police officer does?

Do you know what equipment police officers carry? 

Do the police still work while you are tucked up in bed?

So many questions!

We asked PC Emma Drew, an officer who works in North Walsham for some answers.

 

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 I would be able to get out and about and not stuck in an office.

 

What do police officers do? 

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 helping people.

When someone needs help an officer will be called on their radio and if it is an emergency they will need to leave quickly so must always be ready to go. Officers also spend a lot of time on Patrol.

 

What does 'on patrol' mean?

'On patrol' means that a police officer is driving or walking around the area they work. This is so that people can see them are less likely to commit crime as they think they may get caught.

By speaking to people in the community, officers can find things out that help them do their job.

 

How do you know someone needs help?

If someone calls the police because they need help or something bad is happening a police officer is called on their radio and told where they need to go so that they can find out what is happening.

Our radios are like a special mobile phone and are really important as they help officers to stay safe.

 

What things do you carry? 

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

I also have to carry my pocket note book and lots of paperwork.

 

Do police officers work at night time?

Yes, there are police officers on duty 24 hours a day. Officers take it in turns to work day and night shifts so that nobody has to work nights all the time.

 

What do you like best?

I like meeting lots of different people and being able to help them.

 

Describe a typical day in your life

There is no such thing as a typical day for a police officer as every day is different.

At the start of their shift officers usually check their computers to see what has been happening and if there is any new work for them.

Officers will then spend the day either investigating crimes which could involve talking to witnesses or arresting someone or they will be out on patrol and answering calls on their radio to help people, this could for a car accident, an argument or because someone has had something stolen.

Officers also have a lot of paperwork to do before they go off duty.