Nathan Payne

Team Manager

I have worked within the force control room (FCR) at Kent Police for 13 years. I initially started as a contact call-handler, answering calls on both the 999 and non-emergency line. I found my initial transition to the role hard; you understand what the role will involve through the interview process and the training, but nothing fully prepares you for taking that first 999 call.

My interest in the police came from my time at school. I had an interest in the emergency services and was initially unsure of the career route I wanted to take. When I completed my National Diploma in Public Services, I had a passion for both policing and fire and rescue services. At the time of applying for the role within the FCR I was also a retained firefighter for Kent Fire Brigade and Kent Police were supportive of my secondary employment.

Although my first call was 13 years ago, I can still remember every detail. The call was from a female reporting a domestic in progress, she had just fled the family home after being harmed by her partner. The initial adrenaline of answering the call, the unknown as to what you were going to face and then managing the caller expectations, ensuring that they are safe, and officers can get to their location has stayed with me.

I struggled at times with the policing terminology, and it was recognised at an early stage that I may have dyslexia. Although I had just finished in education, this was the first time this had been suggested. I am pleased that my line manager suggested this possibility as the support I have received from Kent Police was truly outstanding. They arranged for me to have a dyslexia assessment, and the results from this allowed my line manager and the coaching team to adjust my training packages, allowing me additional time in my assessments. Had I not received these early interventions from my line manager and the support I received from Human Resources, Enable (support network within Kent Police) and the learning and development team, it is unclear how my career would have turned out. Kent Police is an outstanding force to work for and they put the welfare and development of staff first. Thanks to their support I have progressed through the ranks within the FCR, to the role as team manager, managing six supervisors and have the responsibility for 57 staff members.