Response Policing Week: Meet PC Stuart Furlonger

Today marks the start of Response Policing Week, where we’ll be celebrating the vital work of our response officers who protect County Durham and Darlington 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days of the year.

They are on the very frontline of policing – they’re the first to respond to your 999 calls, the first on scene at critical incidents, and the first to confront dangerous criminals.

Throughout the week we’ll be sharing insights into the role of these ordinary people who do an extraordinary job.

First up is PC Stuart Furlonger – he’s been in the job nearly six years and currently works as a response officer on Peterlee on E-Relief. He’s also been nominated for a national Police Bravery Award.

Tell us why response is a great job to work…

Response is great, it really is. There can’t be any other job like it in the world. The role is completely varied but flexible enough so you can make it suit you as a police officer. For example, you can run around at 100mph locking up the bad guys up or you can focus more on your crime investigations when the radio allows.

What’s great about your team?

My team is great and like every team we think we’re the best. It’s got a great bunch of young officers, all committed and enthusiastic for the job. I’m lucky enough to call them my friends.

Sum up response

It really is the best and worst job in the world. One moment you’re doing a fast-paced adrenaline fuelled arrest and then the next you’re dealing with something as police we maybe shouldn’t be dealing with, and you really can’t wait to get back to the office.

What’s your superpower other than being a cop?

The ability to make outstanding coffee 😊

Fancy following in PC Furlonger’s footsteps? Our recruitment for PCEP (Police Constable Entry Programme) applications opens next month!

Join us at our Police Officer Discovery Event on Tuesday, July 9 at 6pm at Police HQ in Durham.

Learn what it takes to be a police officer, how to apply, and what to expect on your recruitment journey.