Celebrating the vital role of police staff

From answering 999 calls, walking the beat as a PCSO to helping piece together the scene of a fatal road traffic collision - we’re celebrating some of the unsung heroes of policing.  

This week sees forces across the UK come together to honour the contribution made by police staff.  

Launched by the National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC), with support from the College of Policing, the second Police Staff Week of Celebration and Recognition hopes to shine a spotlight on the individuals who play an important role within the policing family.

As part of the week, police forces will be celebrating the contribution made by those working across all areas of policing – including crime scene investigators, cleaning operatives, HR personnel, corporate communications officers, as well as digital investigators, analysts, fleet and much more.

It is also hoped the recognition will encourage other professionals to consider a future in policing.

Speaking about the week of recognition, Chief Constable Amanda Blakeman said: “The role that staff play across UK Policing is not widely understood and deserves to be celebrated.

“Police staff are at the front-line answering emergency calls, keeping detainees safe and helping to progress investigations as well as informing and educating our communities.

“We have almost 1,450 police staff here at North Wales Police, spanning departments from nurses in our custody suites and occupational health department, to control room operators answering 999 calls, legal, IT and our facilities and logistics department who keep the force running smoothly.

“This week is all about recognising that vital contribution and showing the public that police staff, just like officers, play an important role in policing, keeping communities safe and contribute to effective justice.  There are so many exciting career opportunities available.

“The majority of staff did not fall into policing but made a conscious decision to be part of the service because they want to make a difference and help others. It is important that we applaud this passion and continue to champion their contribution so we can encourage others into the service and recognise the impact staff have as part of the whole policing family, helping keep our communities safe.

Chief Constable Blakeman added: “North Wales Police would not be able to run without these individuals, and I’d personally like to thank each and every staff member and volunteer for the huge role they play in making North Wales the safest place to live, work and visit in the UK.” 

UNISON Branch Secretary, Elizabeth Mitchell said: “Police staff are vital to North Wales Police as they bring a wealth of experience and are specialists within their roles.

“Whilst most of their work goes unseen, police staff are crucial to the effective running of the force and on behalf of UNISON, I would like to thank all police staff for their hard work and dedication to the communities of north Wales.”

From studying fingerprints and keeping our vehicles on the road, managing our IT systems and keeping the finances in check, police staff play an integral role in the success of their forces.

North Wales Police have a huge range of police staff opportunities available, so you can pursue an exciting career whatever your chosen field. Working alongside frontline officers, police staff keep the force operating smoothly.

To find out more please visit our Careers page Careers | North Wales Police

Follow the campaign on our social media channels using #CelebratingPoliceStaff and to learn about some of our amazing police staff and what career opportunities are available.

Meet some of the team here at #TeamNWP

I am the Building and Logistics Manager for North Wales Police and have worked for the force for almost 28 years.

Prior to joining, I was a self-employed builder and started my career as a Logistics Operative in May 1998 where I was based at Llandudno Police Station.

A typical day in my role varies – from dealing with jobs from the facilities helpdesk which can include moving furniture, dealing with contractors to arranging cannabis destruction. To be honest, the list is endless as I and the team assist a number of departments from day to day.

The Force Open Day is always a busy period for us – as we assist with the logistics around the day – placing waste and recycling bins, placing barriers where they need to be around the site, helping departments with the set ups, carrying tables, chairs and gazebos, to clearing the grounds at the end of the day ensuring the building is ready for the next working day.

I’d have to say that the best part of my role is the unknown - having to deal with something that’s an emergency, and the variety of different things I manage. We recently had the water situation which affected some of our police stations in the Conwy area, including Headquarters where I am based. We ensured we had bottled water for those officers, staff and volunteers on duty and even arranged portaloos for the stations.

I thoroughly enjoy my role with the Force and am fortunate to have a great team around me.

Photograph: Frank (second from the left) is pictured with members of his team at the 2024 North Wales Police Open Day

Mandy Wlliams – Common Law Police Disclosure decision maker

I’m Mandy Williams, I have lived in North Wales most of my life and currently live in Prestatyn with my husband, two mad ragdoll cats and a German Shepard puppy.

My full-time role is CLPD decision maker (previously Notifiable Occupations). I’ve had a few different roles in NWP since I joined in 2002 and have been in my current role for 18 years.

As well as my full-time role I have been a Unison Steward for 21 years. I have always worked in a legal environment starting as an Office Junior in a local firm of Solicitors when I left school in 1990. I then completed a HNC in Law whilst working in the Legal Department at Capital Bank, I then returned to a local Firm of Solicitors where I was a Civil Litigation Paralegal.  When I joined North Wales Police, I wanted to continue helping others, and my Unison role allows me to support members when they are most in need.  

My specialist area and interests are anything to do with the Equality Act, disability issues, discrimination and employment law.

My hobbies are walking, going to the cinema/theatre and eating out.

Nicky Bellis

I joined North Wales Police in January 2002 and settled in the RMS team in 2008.

I have worked my way through the roles and currently my position is West Coast Collaboration Technical & Support Manager and I represent the four forces in the collaboration, and manage the technical analysts.

Whilst working with NWP I have continued to develop my skills and education. Thus benefitting my personal development and motivation to learn, as a well as encouraging my team and being more efficient and effective within my role.

My strongest traits are empathy and communication. Within NWP I am a trained Critical Incident Debriefer, Mental Health Peer Support and also Blue Light Champion. I was also a ChildLine Counsellor for over 10 years and recently decided to volunteer in a new area.

In 2020 I became a Unison Rep and took on the role of Welfare. This allowed me to combine additional roles and experience I have gained over the years and to help our members/colleagues within NWP, during some extremely distressing times.

As I worked more closely with the Branch and extended my network both regionally and nationally, I decided that I wanted to take a more active volunteer role, as well as leading on Welfare. I am now in my second year of holding the position of Chair for our Unison branch. I strive on a challenge and all of these roles have these on a daily basis.

Note:

• The force is made up of around 1,700 Police Officers, 1,200 Police Staff, over 190 Police Community Support Officers and over 150 Police Specials and volunteers serving a wide range of communities.