Returning Home: Gary’s Journey Back to Thames Valley Police

Gary’s return to Thames Valley Police (TVP) was an unforeseen turn in his career. He had left TVP seeking new policing challenges, but his time away only deepened his desire for engaging with the community and working in a role that resonated with his core values and strengths. Here, Gary reflects on his journey, lessons learned, and why re-joining TVP feels like coming back home.

• Current Role: Detective Constable – Criminal Investigation Department (CID)
• Age at joining policing: 26
• Length of Service (in total, including TVP): 17 years

What does TVP have to offer?

Before I left TVP for another force, I would have found it hard to answer this, but I can now see that TVP offers the chance to interact meaningfully with members of the public and to help them through the judicial process. I had not considered that I would miss this aspect when I left, but it was actually instrumental in why I returned. It’s really to do with having a job that matters and plays to your personal strengths. The force I chose to go to after my work with TVP CAIU was unable to offer me this, and I quickly realised I was unsuited to the culture of the then new organisation and the nature of the role.

Why did you originally decide to transfer from TVP to another force?

I decided to transfer because I found the nature of Child Abuse Investigation Unit (CAIU) investigations a little too emotive towards the end. This feeling slowly accumulated over three years and one day I realised that I needed to leave the department for my wellbeing. I felt I needed to do this before I became hardened to the subject matter, and also to avoid more exposure to the human suffering this department deals with daily. Having said that, the difficult nature of the work is proportionate to the personal fulfilment you feel when you get a positive result for a child victim.

Now you are back with TVP, how do you feel you are realising your potential?

I feel I am realising my potential by directing investigations with support from management, who really value my experience and opinion; and I think this is really important in the work we do, having that trust and confidence do deliver high stand investigations and results for victims.

You’ve worked across a variety of detective teams, including CAIU; can you tell us about that, and any lessons you’ve learned along the way, favourite moments?

In one very serious case of intra-familial abuse, I had the task of conducting three Violence Reduction Initiatives (VRIs) with the victim. I was not the Officer in Charge (OIC) – this was Detective Constable (DC) Adele Taylor who did an amazing job putting the case together and achieving a long conviction. I enjoyed our collaboration on this, and I like to think the interviews we conducted and the rapport that was built contributed to the positive result at court.

What would you say to anyone considering transferring to, or re-joining TVP?

I have spoken to several people about my experiences – the reasons I left and the reasons I re-joined. It is easy to imagine a less stressful job away from the intensity of the CID and CAIU. Having left I now have context around this. It is important to have pressure in one’s job as long as you look after your welfare and strike a balance. I found it much harder to get up in the morning for a job you are not suited to, despite the fact it carries little stress.

For people joining TVP, I would recommend they do more to truly find their vocation in the organisation before seeking promotion. There are so many departments catering to all skills and personality types, that I imagine most people would find a job to suit them. Stress management and an awareness of one’s own limits I think are the key to maintaining a career in the police. In TVP, you will have the support you need to success, both professionally and personally.

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Officers choose to transfer to TVP or re-join policing with TVP for a variety of reasons. For some, it’s our reputation as a forward-thinking and well-organised force, and for others, it’s the opportunity for promotion or specialism, and often we’re just a shorter commute!

Whatever your reason, the knowledge, skills, and experience you bring will be warmly welcomed into the TVP family from day one.

Considering transferring to TVP or re-joining policing with TVP?  Visit our Transferees and Re-joiners page to find out how you can join our team.

Detective