Ride Along with Patrol Officers in Saltash and Penzance: A Day in the Life

Have you ever wondered what it’s like to be a patrol officer?

Last week, Response Policing Week offered a glimpse into the lives of these dedicated professionals who are often the first to attend emergencies. The Devon and Cornwall Police, covering Saltash and Penzance, showcased a day in the life of their patrol officers, revealing the diverse challenges they face daily.

Early Shift in Saltash

The early shift in Saltash began with a variety of tasks, from hospital watch to responding to domestic incidents. PC Dave Hands was the first to respond to an emergency call regarding a domestic incident. After arriving on the scene, he and his colleague spoke individually with the involved parties, determining it to be a non-crime incident and offering advice to both individuals.

Soon after, PC Hands and his colleague responded to an alleged assault. They located the suspect, arrested them on suspicion of common assault, and transported them to custody. Officers followed up by taking written statements from witnesses.

Late Shift in Saltash

During the late shift, PC Alex Jones and his colleague made follow-up calls to victims of crime and patrolled Liskeard town centre during a UEFA Euros football match. Their first emergency call was from a vulnerable woman who had activated her personal alarm. After ensuring her safety, the officers responded to another domestic incident, arresting a female suspect on suspicion of assault and transporting her to custody. The night continued with another serious domestic incident, leading to another arrest. Officers worked into the early hours to gather evidence for an evidence-led prosecution.

Reflecting on his role, Alex said, “Being a police officer really is a privilege. The opportunity to live and work in this part of the world and being able to fulfil a role where you never know what is going to happen next is what makes this job exciting.”

Day Shift in Penzance

PC Mike Burt, who patrols Penzance, St Ives, Newlyn, and Hayle, started his shift by responding to an emergency call about a sudden death, supporting the ambulance service and guarding the scene while crime scene investigators collected evidence. Later, he addressed a supermarket’s concerns about a shoplifter potentially breaching their criminal behaviour order (CBO). After reviewing CCTV, it was confirmed there was no breach, but the security team was advised to remain vigilant.

PC Burt’s shift continued with a patrol in Hayle, where he completed a vehicle check on a suspected careless driver. He also conducted a safeguarding visit and invited a suspect for a voluntary interview related to an ongoing case. The day ended with an emergency call about a threat of criminal damage, where PC Burt gathered information and offered advice to the victim.

Behind the Badge

The officers serving Devon and Cornwall come from diverse backgrounds, united by a common goal to protect their communities. PC Dave Hands, formerly in IT, passed his Sergeant’s exams and aims for a promotion. PC Alex Jones started as a volunteer special constable and now helps train new officers, aspiring to take his Sergeant’s exams soon. PC Mike Burt, previously in recruitment, has been with the force for two years.

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