Observing Surrey Police Officers at Work and the Challenges they Face – a Real Eye Opener.

I had the opportunity to spend time with Surrey Police, offering a firsthand look at the challenges and responsibilities they manage daily. Upon my arrival, I was met by Inspector Kayleigh Naismith, alongside Police Sergeants Pilkington and Clement. The evening began with a tour of the Custody Suite, where I was briefed on current staffing challenges as there were staff shortages for the shift.  This shortage highlighted the strain on resources, particularly in such critical areas of the police service.

I was then shown the CCTV operations for Guildford, where it was evident that several cameras required repair or replacement. These cameras fall under the jurisdiction of Surrey County Council, and their maintenance is crucial for public safety and effective policing. After signing the necessary waivers, I joined PC Bailie (age 22) and PC Vallance (age 21) for a ride-along to observe the policing of Guildford’s nightlife.

As we left the station, the officers received a call about an individual threatening to jump from a multi-storey car park in the town centre. We quickly arrived at the scene, where PC Dobie (age 19, though exuding the confidence and demeanour of a much older officer) had already engaged the individual, who was perched dangerously on a ledge. After approximately 40 minutes of tense negotiation, PC Vallance was able to bring the individual to safety with a swift and controlled move. Her composure, combined with the support of PC Bailie and PC Dobie, was impressive, as they restrained the individual and brought them under control.

After securing the situation, the officers were joined by PC Woodcock. Over the next 30 minutes, the police coordinated with their back-office to section the individual under the Mental Health Act. However, they encountered difficulties securing a bed in a specialist mental health facility, so the decision was made to transport the individual to a local Hospital. During this time, four officers were tied up managing this one incident, which shed light on the strain these kinds of emergencies place on police resources.

At the hospital, I observed the burden such incidents also place on the healthcare system. After several hours, the officers were relieved by colleagues, allowing them to return to the station to complete their reports before ending their shift.

This experience was a real eye-opener. The professionalism, emotional control, and competence of these young officers in such a potentially traumatic situation was remarkable. Despite the wider public concerns about police visibility and availability, the officers I observed were a credit to their uniform, handling a difficult situation with care and composure. It also gave me a greater understanding of the immense challenges police face daily. This experience has deepened my respect for the police force, despite the occasional criticisms they may receive.