PCSO Julia Parker

Julia was a nurse for 32 years at the Leicester Royal Infirmary (LRI), spending her last nine years on the neo-natal ward.

She wanted a new challenge after retiring from nursing and her family helped make her mind up.

She said: “My husband had been a police officer for 30 years then my daughter Anna joined as a PCSO (Police Community Support Officer) and she said why not give the role. So, I joined in April 2020.

“It was a bit scary at first. Especially when you’ve worked in one sector for most of your life to suddenly change but I knew I had lots of transferrable skills, I could relate to people and I had plenty of life experience.

“I really enjoy the job, it is so varied. You work as part of a team but also at times on your own. You walk the beat, deal with neighbourhood disputes, can be guarding the scene at a murder inquiry, doing house to house inquiries, collating CCTV (closed-circuit television) for investigations, conducting beat surgeries, doing school talks.

“I’m used to talking to people and dealing with different partners and agencies. A big part of the job is being out in the community dealing with all sorts of people. I have spent a lot of time during school holidays getting to know the young people on my beat in Shepshed and they now recognise me and come and talk to me. I love getting out and about. Being part of a team is great and you feel really supported.

“I have dealt with a range of incidents, including having to give CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) to a man who had collapsed.

“I was worried at first about whether I would be able to do the job after so many years in one place but everything just clicks into place and you just get on with it. I like people and I like to problem solve.

“Being older isn’t a barrier. I think it is a positive thing in that I can bring my experience. I know the sorts of problems people deal with, especially from being a nurse and a mum.

“You are the visible presence out on the street, talking to people- it is a brilliant job.”