Response officers: the cornerstone of Suffolk policing

Superintendent Tom Pearse then and now (2006 & 2026)

National Response Policing Week (20-26 April) highlights the incredible work of our frontline officers who are first on the scene at all 999 incidents every day of the year.

Their role is both varied and at the cornerstone of what Suffolk Constabulary is all about. No one should ever take them for granted.

Let’s hear from response officers themselves about what they do, how they feel and what makes them tick. Here in their own words are the thoughts of a Superintendent, a Duty Officer, a Sergeant, a Roads and Armed Police Inspector and a PC.

But first a few words from ASSISTANT CHIEF CONSTABLE ALICE SCOTT:

“I am incredibly proud to represent and serve alongside our response officers and staff. 24 hours a day, every day of the year, they are the visible, trusted presence the public rely on when they are frightened, distressed, uncertain or in need of help. They are the first ones through the door – often into the most complex, unpredictable and emotionally charged situations – and they do so with skill, courage and compassion.

“Our response teams protect the public from harm, safeguard vulnerable people and families and build confidence through consistent, professional engagement in every community across our beautiful county. They deliver reassurance and protection where it matters most.”

 

SUPERINTENDENT TOM PEARSE

“The 23rd of March 2026 represented my first shift in uniform for just over 18 years. On reflection, I was pleased to report some really positive changes.

“In the first instance, I was pleasantly surprised with the addition of the elasticated waistband to the trousers. Despite the sartorial advances, I still can’t find a pair to fit. My wife told me I looked as though I was dressing for a flood.

“But what it takes to be an officer on the frontline hasn't changed. It requires a high level of emotional intelligence, an ability to handle pressure, courage and skill. Characteristics I've seen in abundance in my first few weeks.

“Despite the challenges they face, I am always impressed with the camaraderie and morale when I speak to colleagues on our response teams. Response policing defies a neat definition. In one shift officers will deal with vulnerability, violence, tragedy, humour and humanity, often before breakfast. There is no narrow brief because response is the service that absorbs whatever comes next.

“Put simply, they cover covering everything. That might not sound like a specialism but in truth it is one of the most demanding there is. It is the only one that covers absolutely everything and it is one response officers should be very proud to be part of.”

 

TOM PRIOR – DUTY INSPECTOR

“What we do is quite simply the cornerstone of policing but the constant challenges we face can sometimes mean we lose sight of that and why we do it. As Duty Officer, I am well aware that at times Response Policing can feel relentless, thankless, and that officers are running the risk of burn out.

“Every day I see examples of the professionalism of officers; the last few days alone have seen teams switch from managing violent individuals to initial negotiation with people in crisis to managing vulnerable victims.

“I believe strongly that the pride I feel should be shared by everyone. These officers are the backbone of policing and doing the most important job of all.”

 

SERGEANT MARY SPALDING

“Frontline policing is fast-paced, unpredictable and demanding. Response officers are often required to make quick decisions under intense pressure and public scrutiny. Every shift brings new challenges but our purpose never changes: to do the right thing, protect the public and keep people safe.

“Response officers make personal sacrifices every day; missed birthdays, anniversaries and family occasions are part of the reality of frontline policing; the commitment and dedication do not go unnoticed.

“As a Sergeant, I am proud to stand alongside my team, face challenges together and ensure we all return home safe - because that, above all else, is what matters most.”

 

BYRON HEARSUM, RAPT INSPECTOR

“Roads & Armed Policing Team (RAPT) officers attend some of the force’s highest-threat, harm, risk incidents. Operating in a dual role, officers possess a wide range of specialist skills that can be deployed as required on any given day. Officers also undertake the role of Family Liaison Officers, the conduit between investigations and families following a tragic death on the roads.

“RAPT officers attend and investigate serious and fatal road traffic collisions, conducting complex investigations to secure justice and supporting families throughout the coronial process. Their work includes intelligence-led, targeted enforcement against vehicles linked to criminality and road-related offences, as well as public reassurance patrols in collision hotspots and areas of known criminality to prevent further harm.”

 

PC LUCY ROBSON

“I transferred to Suffolk Constabulary after spending six years serving with Essex Police, all of which I enjoyed immensely. Making the move to a new force can feel daunting but from day one I felt genuinely welcomed into Suffolk.

“I have always been a response officer and for me response policing is the most exciting and varied role available. No two shifts are ever the same and that unpredictability is what keeps the role so rewarding. Suffolk really stands out for its sense of familiarity: it feels like a force where everyone knows each other and there is much more of a family feel.”

 

Tim Passmore, Police & Crime Commissioner for Suffolk, added:

“Over the years I have learnt just how varied the role of a police officer is. I have great admiration for all officers; they each play an important role in the policing family and together they unite as a force to keep us all safe. 

“Response officers provide the frontline response to a huge range of incidents across the county, and as their job-title suggests they respond to whatever needs to be dealt with, in as quick a time as possible. They are generally the first on the scene, so the first face that the public sees in an emergency. I appreciate this requires a whole host of investigative and interpersonal skills, and highlights the particular expertise of these officers. 

“I am pleased to see such valuable work highlighted in this National Response Policing Week and I am sure I speak on behalf of Suffolk residents and businesses when I say thank you for everything you do.”