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Posted on Thursday 16 June 2022
Helen Corner

Say hello to PC Helen Corner – she’s a response officer based in the west of the county. 

She joined Durham Constabulary in April 2020 when she was 37. 

What is a typical day in the life of a response officer?

There is no typical day, which is what I love about the job. I never know what will occur when I put my uniform on for a shift! Every day is different, but my primary role is on mobile patrol responding to 999 police emergencies and 101 priority calls. 

What type of jobs do you attend?

I am the first on scene to any policing emergency, so I attend all kinds of different jobs. 

Are there any jobs that are particularly memorable to you and why?

I was recently called to a burglary at a property behind a graveyard in the middle of the night. Myself and my crewmate, who was still in his ten weeks tutor phase, searched the graveyard with our torch light and located the suspect hiding behind a grave! It was definitely a spooky job, but it was a great outcome as I arrested the male on scene.

Another key part of being a police officer is supporting people in crisis, while keeping them safe and getting the support they need. Often, during a mental health crisis, the police are the first place people will call when they have nowhere else to turn to, so I have a few memorable jobs like this. 

Also, as the officer in charge in a stalking job, I took a job to court where the male was handed a prison sentence, a fine and a restraining order. Knowing the difference I had made to the victim made me feel incredibly happy. 

What do you enjoy most about response policing?

I enjoy jobs where I can make a real difference to vulnerable people who are unable to protect themselves. I am proud to be there for the public during their times of need to help and protect them. I also love working as part of the policing family - the bond you have with the police officers on your shift is like no other. 

What do you find most challenging about response policing?

We work shifts and sometimes these can be tiring. We work 24/7, 365 days of the year, and sometimes you may have rest days cancelled. 

What advice would you give to someone who is thinking about applying to become a police officer?

Do it - there is no job like it!

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