Cohorted Cult bring you real-life interviews from those working directly on the front line during the Coronavirus pandemic. Introducing Katrina, a Detective Constable working throughout COVID-19. Stay Safe, #StayHome.

1. Background Info: Name, Age, Job Role 

My name is Katrina, I’m 26 years old and I am a Detective Constable.  

 

2. What made you want to become a police officer? 

Quite simply, I wanted to be in a job where I knew I could make a difference and help people.  

 

3. What is an average day for your job role? 

I work in child protection and work a lot with social services. It depends on what happens during the shift, but I commonly will go and see children who have made allegations of physical or sexual abuse. I will help to safeguard them and commence an investigation, which may involve arresting those responsible, building a case and taking it to court.  

 

4. What is the new reality of working in the police? 

I have been quieter than usual, as most of my work often comes from referrals by schools and other establishments. It can be concerning at times, but unfortunately, this just isn’t happening as much whilst children are stuck at home. I can imagine I will be extremely busy when schools return.  

 

5. Have the PPE shortages personally impacted the way you work/people around you? 

At first, yes but there was a lot more working from home. However, we now have sufficient stock of PPE and utilise it where necessary. We are conducting most of our work remotely and over the phone and where/if necessary, going into the community whilst wearing gloves and masks.  

6. What have been the most difficult/personal moments for you? 

If I’m required to go out into the field, I worry about coming in contact with Coronavirus and bringing it back home, where my partner has asthma. We have to remember that we are still putting ourselves and those around us at risk and so we have to take measures to protect ourselves where necessary.  

 

7. Have there been times where you wanted to do more, but have been held back due to lack of resources? 

No, this hasn’t been a concern of mine. 

8. With that said, have YOU have had any rewarding moments which helps motivate you?  

It’s really rewarding when we go out to see children who are stuck inside, in sometimes quite horrendous conditions, to remove them from this environment. We forget that these young children are often most vulnerable whilst isolating at home.  

 

9. How has this pandemic influenced your home life? 

My partner is working from home, which like other couples, can be difficult at times, especially as we live in a small house and don’t have much of our own space. It’s also really difficult not being able to see my close friends and family on my days off, but obviously everyone is in the same boat which is comforting. I’ve also got to push myself to keep motivated, whilst working from home.  

 

10. What do you do to maintain your self-care routine, to encourage relaxation at the end of the day?

We have recently got a new puppy and he definitely keeps me busy! I also exercise (but just once a day of course) and watch lots of Netflix whilst I get puppy cuddles. I have also done online yoga classes, but I’m also maintaining a routine and getting enough sleep!