A Life of Service: Christine’s 53½ Years with Thames Valley Police

In 1971, Christine joined our force as a young cadet. She wanted to help people and make a difference, and that’s exactly what she did over the next 53½ years. 

During her long and inspiring career, Christine took on many important roles. She protected members of the Royal Family, supported victims of serious crimes, and helped change the way the police deal with domestic violence. She stayed committed to doing the right thing and supporting those in need through every challenge. 

As she prepared to say goodbye to Thames Valley Police (TVP), we caught up with her in her final few days to ask about her journey, her proudest moments, and the legacy she leaves behind. 

So, Christine, can you tell us about yourself and how your journey with TVP began? What first inspired you to join the police, and what kinds of roles have you had over the years? 

I started as a police cadet in September 1971 and have always aspired to become a police officer. My main aim was to help people who had been harmed through crime or adversity and to bring to justice the perpetrators of crime. 

I’ve held several roles over the years, including in the original policewomen’s department, the control room, uniformed patrol, and the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) at Oxford. I worked in the Special Branch for eight years, providing armed protection to the Royal Family and Margaret Thatcher’s Government when they visited the Thames Valley. I also worked in the Family Protection Unit, dealing with child abuse and serious sexual assaults. 

In 1995, I set up the first Domestic Violence (DV) Unit at Cowley and went on to train DV co-ordinators across the force, to encourage frontline officers to deal with domestic violence more positively and proactively. I later worked with young offenders and trained officers in using Restorative Justice. Before moving into Major Crime and Counter Terrorism, I also worked as an intelligence officer in Oxford. 

Looking back on such a long and varied career, what moments really stand out as highlights for you? 

There have been many highlights, but a few really stand out.

I secured convictions in serious cases, including stranger rapes and the sexual abuse of children, and set up a pilot scheme to improve police response to domestic violence, which was later adopted across the force. In 1982, I attended the opening of Helen House Hospice by the Duchess of Kent and was present during some of her later visits.

In 2004, while working full time, I gained a law degree with Honours — something I’m very proud of. That same year, I supported three families searching for loved ones after the Boxing Day tsunami in Southeast Asia — all were found safe and well. I was involved in the aftermath of the 7/7 London bombings and had contact with Samantha Lewthwaite, wife of the Kings Cross suicide bomber who killed 26 people.

I also worked within the Counter Terrorism Unit during the 2012 Olympics to help ensure public safety. After retiring as a police officer, I became a Misconduct Manager in the Professional Standards Department, where I put my law degree to good use managing high-profile cases for Thames Valley Police, Hampshire Constabulary, and the Metropolitan Police.

Receiving a Queen’s Honour must have been an incredible moment. How did that come about, and what did it mean to you? 

It was a complete surprise — I had no idea I’d been nominated, especially as the person who did so had given the wrong email address. In June 2021, I received what I thought was a cold call on my mobile and nearly hung up, but thankfully, I listened. The caller turned out to be a Ceremonial Officer from the Cabinet Office, informing me that I was being recommended to Her Majesty the Queen for a British Empire Medal in the Birthday Honours List. I was stunned. Thinking it might be a prank, I asked her to email me while we were still on the phone — and when I saw it was genuine, I was absolutely thrilled.

I completed the paperwork and later received the BEM at a ceremony at Pembroke College, Oxford, on 28th October 2021. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, we maintained social distancing and wore masks. It was an incredibly proud and humbling moment.

What would you say has been the most rewarding part of your work? How do you think your efforts have made a difference? 

The most rewarding part has definitely been listening to — and acting on — the brave disclosures made by children and adults who had been sexually or physically abused, and then bringing those responsible to justice. I hope that by securing convictions, I’ve helped make society a little safer while those offenders were off the streets. 

I also had the privilege of being present during the repatriation of injured and fallen service personnel at RAF Brize Norton during the Falklands War. 

And being a family liaison officer for the families of murder victims, supporting them through raw and overwhelming grief, was a huge responsibility, but also an honour. Helping them through such difficult times meant a great deal to me. 

Are there any favourite memories or moments with colleagues that stand out to you? 

One that really stands out was being introduced to Princess Diana. I explained to her the pioneering work we were doing in the Family Protection Unit, especially how we were using video interviews with children to help them give their best evidence. It was part of a government pilot project that eventually contributed to the introduction of the Children Act. Princess Diana spent nearly an hour with us in the special interview suite in Oxford. It was a truly special experience. 

Now that you’ve retired, what kind of legacy do you hope you’ve left behind, and what are you looking forward to in this next chapter? 

I’d like to be remembered as someone fair and impartial, and who earned the trust of both police officers and staff. I’ve always tried to protect TVP’s strong reputation for putting the public first. I hope I’ve set a good example for others to follow during my 53½ years with the force. 

In this next chapter, I’m continuing to deliver COVID-19 vaccines across Oxfordshire, and I’m still volunteering. I also hope to train as a Ceremonies Officer so I can conduct weddings; I think it would be a lovely thing to do in my older age! 

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After 53½ years of dedicated service, Christine leaves behind a legacy of compassion, courage, and commitment. From protecting communities to supporting victims, she’s made a real difference in so many lives. 

We wish her all the best in this next chapter and thank her for everything she’s done for Thames Valley Police and the public she served so proudly. 

If you’re looking for a career where you can truly make a difference, why not consider joining Thames Valley Police? Visit TVP Careers to find more