Daisy Burnett

I started my career with Kent Police when I was 18 years old. I finished sixth form with four A-levels and started in the force control room (FCR) just two weeks later. I have been working within the FCR for almost nine years now, and within this time I have become a qualified telephone operator, a dispatcher and dispatch supervisor. I thoroughly enjoy the various roles and feel like every day is always different. This can involve taking numerous 999 calls, dispatching life-threatening calls and being responsible for officers’ safety whilst doing so. This isn’t the easiest job; however, it is very rewarding, and you’ll always leave the room feeling like you’ve achieved something.

Initially, I found the telephone side of the role challenging. However, I was surrounded by colleagues and team leaders who helped, encouraged, and supported me throughout. Personally, I’m not a very confident person, so for me to be able to progress as much as I have done in such a short amount of time feels very rewarding. Within the FCR, your voice is heard, you are listened to when you confide in those around you, and you know that you are never alone.

Shift work can be incredibly challenging for many reasons. It can be very demanding on your home life due to the long hours you work, however it is rewarding if you allow yourself enough time to balance the two. You need to ensure that you consider this before applying to ensure that you can give your best to the role.