Response Policing Week of Action: 'The public will always remember the cop that turns up first'

A response officer says helping victims in crisis is one of the most rewarding parts of her role.

PC Maddy Flint-Foster covers the Meadows and Clifton area and is usually one of the first people on the scene of a crime in progress.

Some of her greatest achievements have been ensuring those responsible for domestic violence and sexual assault are put behind bars.

She has also supported victims at the hands of these perpetrators, ensuring they feel safe to speak out.

Nottinghamshire Police joins other forces across the country to celebrate the hard work, dedication, and bravery of those who respond to calls from the public and confront criminals daily.

Starting today (Monday 26 June), Response Policing Week of Action is an opportunity to highlight the difficult, demanding, and unpredictable work that response officers and staff do to keep people safe.

PC Flint-Foster, who has been a response officer for the last three years, said: “Response is a very versatile role, and you move at around 100 miles an hour a day. It is very rewarding. I like being the first person there at the scene and helping the victim usually in crisis.

“I feel like we can make a massive impact. I remember attending a high-risk domestic, with a very violent man, and I spent hours with the victim that night who was understandably in a lot of pain and distress.

“She told me at court that she now wants to work for the police because of the service we delivered that night.

“It’s these little acts that make the biggest difference and make you realise the work you are doing is having an impact on the public.

“I think the public will always remember the cop that turns up first to sort it out - and that is what response is.”

PC Flint-Foster says she has been at the receiving end of some nasty incidents where criminals have spat, threatened, or attacked her.

“I have felt genuine fear at times, but I am always confident my colleagues will back me up, and I am proud to have support from them. You couldn’t do this role alone.”

“When people underestimate me that is what motivates me more.

“Working in the Meadows and Clifton for so long, you get to know people in the community. They will often call me ‘Foster’.”

“That is the other arm of policing – ensuring you can engage with the public and are approachable.

PC Flint-Foster reached the final three of Nottinghamshire Police’s Response Officer of the Year.

She was nominated for ‘going above and beyond’ and providing ‘exceptional victim support’.

She added: “I feel immensely proud to be nominated.

“Most of time I’m arresting criminals and you don’t get many thank yous from them, so it is nice to be acknowledged and recognised for the positive work we do to ensure the public is kept safe.”

Superintendent Kathryn Craner said: “Response officers are often the first on the scene of an emergency and are an integral to policing.

“They will often support victims in their hour of need and ensure those responsible are caught as quickly as possible.

“This week is about rewarding and celebrating their work and showing how vital they are to our organisation.

“The three officers were nominated by their colleagues because they felt they went above and beyond the call of duty and have shown dedication and enthusiasm under immense pressure.”