Steve Reynolds joined Essex Police Cadets in 1971, a youthful aspirant with dreams of serving his community and upholding justice. The experience was transformative, igniting a passion that would fuel his career for decades. In September 1974, he stepped into the role of a regular constable, ready to take on the challenges of policing.

By 1976, Steve's diligence paid off when he took and passed his Sergeants exam. Just months later, he faced the inspectors exam, his heart pounding as he tackled yet another hurdle. With remarkable determination, he emerged victorious in both examinations, becoming a qualified sergeant and inspector before he even turned 22. This achievement was not just a personal milestone; it was a testament to Steve’s unwavering commitment and exceptional capabilities.

Steve's first posting in the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) was at Rayleigh, a place where he would encounter a group of superb characters—experienced detectives who were consummate professionals. He fondly remembers his initiation into the CID, the adrenaline rush of dealing with his first suspect, and the camaraderie that flourished amidst the seriousness of their work. In May 1980, he was promoted to a substantive Detective Sergeant and assigned to South Ockendon. There, he was given collar number 321, a digit that would earn him the affectionate nickname "Dusty." Under the mentorship of DCI Fred Stanard, Steve found himself in an environment where humor was as sharp as the investigations they pursued.

The opportunity to further his career arose when Peter Blyth, the Divisional Commander, encouraged Steve to apply for a uniform inspector’s role at Grays. With a mix of excitement and trepidation, he submitted his application, and after a rigorous selection process, he was thrilled to find out he was successful. His tenure as an Inspector lasted a year, but it laid the groundwork for his next significant challenge: joining C11 at Scotland Yard in 1986. There, Steve became part of a diverse team from across the region, working together to develop crucial intelligence that would be funneled to enforcement teams.

After two intense years, he returned to Essex, filled with pride at having the opportunity to serve as a Detective Inspector in his hometown of Southend, where he could give back to the community that had raised him.

In a harrowing twist of fate, Steve was called to investigate a missing persons inquiry in the Philippines involving a woman named China Rose Simms. The case was shrouded in mystery, enveloping him in a world of uncertainty, as neither she nor her husband had ever been located.

The late 90s brought about a poignant moment when Steve had the rare opportunity to meet Jill Dando, a beloved BBC anchor. He recalls their interactions vividly, a mixture of admiration and respect shared over aspirations and plans for the future—plans that were tragically cut short by her untimely murder.

One of the most challenging cases he faced was the murder of Chris Castle, an event that would test his resolve as the Senior Investigating Officer (SIO). The crime was committed by members of the extreme right-wing group Combat 18, a grim reflection of the societal issues that plagued that era.

Drawing from his extensive experience, Steve penned a book titled "The Met On Trial," which explores the investigation following the fatal shooting of Jean Charles De Menezes. In this work, he reflects on a career marked by both triumphs and tragedies, illuminating the complexities of policing in a modern society. Through storytelling, he aims to provide insight into the human experiences behind the badge, a narrative that resonates not just with fellow officers but with anyone who has grappled with the moral dilemmas of justice and accountability.

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Will Blackburn resides in Poland. He is a former Royal Military Police Reserve. He started in the London Regiment and decided to cross over to the RMP TA at Brixton. In 2003 the war in Iraq meant that his unit was mobilised to Op Telic 3 and served there for 6 months. The tour that he went on was immediately after 6 members of 156 Provost Company were killed.

He did his basic training took place at Pirbright which had been a guard’s depot. All elements of the TA attended this centre so Will got to meet members from other regiments. Basic training changed over time to make them battle ready. This training gave him good grounding for his work in Ukraine.

We discuss recruitment within the armed forces and the demise of recruitment by outsourcing to private companies.

Will went to Chilwell to prepare for deployment to Iraq and was then bussed to Germany to wait for transport to Iraq. As they waited, they were given additional training in driving and weapons handling which will found invaluable. Will and his colleagues took a direct flight in a military chartered aircraft to Basra. Being part of Rover Group meant that Will operated as an escort and driver. Will recalls incidents where there was contact with the enemy.

We discuss fatalities and Op Minimise and the fall of Nasaria. As the fall took place Will was told that the was likely to be held back and the demob date was on hold. However, this changed position changed ad having been de-kitted he was placed on an aircraft and flew back to Cyprus and then to Brize Norton in the UK. He was transported back by bus to Nottingham and sent home! He arrived back to Paddington wearing his desert combats and having to prepare adjusting back to civvie street without any decompression. Will found the transition difficult and this took several months before life normalised.

In later year Will met and married his wife who is Polish. They relocated from the UK to northern Poland. At the commencement of the Ukraine Russia war there was a drive to find military equipment. Utilising the website army rumour service www.arrse.co.uk by the end of 2022 Will was invited to take part in the convoy to the frontline hand delivering much needed supplies to the troops. He has been to the Donbas and other areas that have been ravaged by war.

He spent time with the fighting drone unit. The skills displayed are incredible. At one point he was 3k from the zero line. Will has become an author and describes his experiences in his book The War Next Door. https://www.waterstones.com/book/the-...

Just Giving page https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfundi...

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John Bateman is a former member of Hertfordshire Police and prior to joining he was a merchant seaman and served as a navigator. He undertook this role before GPS and computers steered these sea going vessels.

Using a sextant and understanding the old techniques John successfully guided his vessels around the world. John chose to follow his father’s footsteps by joining Hertfordshire.

His initial training took place at Ashford Police Training School and enjoyed his time there but found it frustrating as he had held responsibility in the navy, and this didn’t seem to count in his training. His first posting was St Albans and vividly remembers foot patrol including the call sign Foxtrot 101.

John progressed to CID and worked on a variety of cases including the Patrick Hurling murder in Hertford on 1st Dec 1990. This case remains unsolved. In 1992 he was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis his diagnosis came after he had collision in a Police vehicle. John had unusual symptoms, and the doctors announced that he had this debilitating illness.

In 1994 John left the job and went into private industry. He went to work at a private detective agency working with Roger Pritchard.

John is on the board of the IPI – Institute of Professional Investigators www.ipi.org.uk and endeavours to ensure that investigators have credibility and integrity.

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Kevin's inspiration to join the Police was prompted by a robbery where at the age of 14 he was held at knifepoint and his pedal cycle was stolen. He went on to see the suspect in a local park on the stolen bike. The police were contacted and when they arrived, they arrested the suspect and seized the bike. The rest as they say is history.

Kevin was 20 when he joined the Metropolitan Police, and the year was 1983. His service commenced in Edmonton and after 6 years transferred to King Cross. This area was not the affluent location that it is now!

The Harrods Bombing, The murder of Yvonne Fletcher and the Broadwater farm riots took place in his early years in the job.

Kevin describes the significant events and the Tottenham riots in particular; he was patrolling Southgate when he was told to return to base pick up his public order kit and travel to the infamous Broadwater Farm.

Kevin's love for cars help directed him to the stolen vehicle squad. It was during this time that he honed his skills as an investigator. He went on to lead a team at Kings Cross and headed missing persons enquires. One such was Paula Field, Her body was found minus its identifying features in a holdall in the canal at Camden.  

He was invited to apply for the role in SO10 which specialised in undercover deployments and stayed in the role for 8 years. He found the role particularly political, and we discuss the issues in managing undercovers and the associated issues. During his time he became a hostage negotiator and recalls vividly the kidnap of a 10 year old boy.

He concluded his services a s Chief Superintendent and was an operational lead during the 2021 Olympics .

A memorable day during his service was the nail bombing in Old Compton Street at the Admiral Duncan Pub. He talks about a member of the public Named David Morley who had been injured in the explosion. This mans nickname was Cinders. He survived the bombing and was a very kind individual. A few years later Mr Morley was murdered on the South Bank by a group of youths.

Since leaving the Police Kevin has been behind the television shows “The Hunted” and “The Heist” He is now a published author and his book “Where The Evidence Takes Us”  Is available from all good book sellers. John Sutherland and Adam Kay were inspirations and John has written has written a recommendation.

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Scott Joined the Police in 1995. He had been a professional footballer, and his selection process was extremely smooth! He had played for Alloa Athletic and Scotland under 16 and played against Saudi Arabia in the Youth World Cup Final alongside Paul Dickov .

Prior to joining the police Scott worked in the travel industry. His first day at training school wasn’t the best start. He had been told to wear casual clothing. However, the drill sergeant had other ideas and a public telling off and was one of a handful who had to put their uniform on in the car park! He has fond memories of his time in training school and it was a platform that served him well throughout his career.

His conclusion of training he went to his force for local procedure. On his first day, as he sat in the canteen, he was informed that there had been a shooting at Dunblane primary school. Along with his young colleagues he was dispatched to the school and was placed on scene preservation and to prevent the press and parents from entering the area. He saw the aftermath of the shooting and he describes his experiences as unforgettable. His first week became even more memorable when he broke the wrist of a suspect who he had handcuffed.

Scott served at the Court in Holland where the Lockerbie Suspects were tried. This experience was carried out in the spotlight of the worlds press. The camp was in lockdown at night and the staff worked hard and played hard.

Scott discovered a liking for firearms and undertook the tough process to qualify. His skills were recognised and he became the Chief Firearms instructor. The success in the work place came at a cost. The impact on his family was such that it put an end to his marriage. His depression was overwhelming but the death by suicide of a friend had a significant impact, and he found that with the support of the PFOA he was able to make the changes he needed to put his life back on track.

The motivation to retire from Police Scotland was as a result of the pension changes. He wanted to stay but it became cost prohibitive.

Since retirement Scott has been working for a number of different organisations and concentrates on wellbeing and has supported organisations such as PFOA

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Mick Baker was born in Kent and from an early age he wanted to join the Army. He went on to become a soldier and joined the Royal Army Medical Corp and went to training in Lichfield. He inadvertently became top recruit due to a negligent discharge by a colleague.

He was based in Aldershot and his experience was full on. His medical training set him up for life. He transferred from the RAMC to the Royal Military Police and was immediately posted to Northern Ireland with 176 Provost Comp. At the conclusion of his tour to Northern Ireland he was posted to Colchester to serve 156 Provost Company and the larger-than-life Staff Sgt Sam Appleyard. Having arrived in Colchester he served with Staff Sgt Sam Appleyard and remembers L/Cpl Paul Lon who was killed in action.

At the conclusion of his service Mick joined Hertfordshire Police and served in Hitchin and the regime was very structured and standards were very important to him and the rest of the team. During a fit of peak Mick walked away from the job and went travelling !

Having run out of money he returned to the UK and whilst driving through Hertfordshire he decided to call into the headquarters and ask for his old job back. Unbelievably they took him back into the fold.

Mick thrived on proactive operations and formed a relationship with members of the British Transport Police whilst conducting operations at the local train stations. He transferred to the BTP and started at Kings Cross. As an officer Mick was one of many who dealt people who died by suicide.

He recounts a tragic time in Cyprus when he was called to a head on RTC where the occupants of the vehicles were seriously injured and resulted in fatalities. He felt that he had failed at the scene( which he hadn’t). and was advised that he was too emotionally attached to the incident. This advice assisted through his career until the emotional baggage became too overwhelming.

Mick was having issues in the workplace that meant he went off sick. He found the senior management of BTP and Occupational Health as being underwhelming. He was accused of working outside of the job and the bullying tactics got the better of him.

Mick has now retired and undertakes medical training including FREC 3 training and would welcome a meeting with the senior management from BTP

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Born in Islington and lived in 3 rooms with 4 in one bedroom and an outside toilet! His family moved to a home in Hendon and saw the cadets training and this was inspirational to him. However, he joined the army at 16 and became homesick and left.

He became a floor layer and earned lot of money,. Sadly he bubble burst during the recession and ended up going bankrupt. This was an initial blocker to joining the police. He was encouraged to join the specials which he enjoyed and once her was eligible he joined the regulars.

He was posted to Greenwich where he experienced a variety of jobs and was able to deal with them as the work load wasn't over whelming. He went from there Greenwich to DPG/ Firearms. He was at Cannon Row and covered Number 10 as part of the team. He worked with Keith Palmer who was murdered in the Yard at Parliament.

The Thin Blue line badge is a bone of contention and if this is banned then so should everything else, from Pride to Breast cancer badges these should be removed too.

During his service Paul found himself in Southwark Crown Court being prosecuted for dangerous driving following an on duty accident. He was found not guilty and the Sgt from traffic took his acquittal personally! the federation reps were outstanding and his legal team Since retirement Paul has become an advocate for individuals who face issues from the IOPC and PSD and is despondent at the crass way in which officers are targeted.

Paul now works as a trainer and manages a property that he rents out.

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Dean Morgan is a proud Welshman who aged 16 joined the 1st Battalion Welsh Guards. After training at Pirbright he was part of the Major Generals Parade and when he was spoken to the inspecting officer was surprised at his age and suggested that he shouldn’t mention it!

He was too young to deploy with the battalion to Northern Ireland. When he reached 18, he badgered Company Sgt Major Nicky Mott to allow him to deploy as a joint team with the Irish and Scots Guards. He still remembers the mnemonic FATLAD.

Dean transferred to 2 company and became part of the reconnaissance team and deployed to the Balkans. He would pass memorials to mass graves and there was a sense of loss in so many communities.

Dean describes his time in Iraq and the fateful time in Afghanistan when Col Thorneloe was killed but he was one of a number who lost their lives. Dean recounts his leaving of Afghanistan and a chance meeting of a Coldstream Guard who he done a course in the Brecon’s with. He wished the Sgt well and told him to keep safe. This was the last Dean saw of his friend as he was killed.

When Dean returned to the UK and was selected to become an instructor at Sandhurst. The process of selection was an 85km Tab across the Black Mountains this meant he was up to speed in his physical and mental fitness. He taught cadets from across the world. At the conclusion of his time at Sandhurst he returned to Battalion and found himself in the stores.

Dean was promoted to Regimental Sgt Major and returned to Kabul which was different to his previous experiences in Afghanistan. He applied for and was subsequently selected for a late entrant commission. However, Dean undertook the new role of Command Sgt Major and the role meant that he went to Fort Bliss in El Paso where he attended the Sgt Majors course. Upon his return he was posted to Home Command and worked with the strategic military leaders. He served in post for 2 years.

Having been promoted to the rank of Major, Dean undertook a role which effectively removed him from frontline duties and gave him a more detailed insight to defence procurement.

Having just left the Army Dean was kind enough to take part in this podcast. We wish him well in his new role with NHS Wales.

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Proud Scott Allan Doran is the son of a scottish miner. He decided at the age of 16 that he didn’t want to go down the pit. He applied for and was successful in his application to join the metropolitan police cadets.

During his cadet service he carried out a variety of attachments including an attachment at Stoke Mandeville where he met Jimmy Saville!

Allan vividly recalls the murder of his class mate Steven Tibble by Liam Quinn https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Murder_of_Stephen_Tibble

Policing in the Met was fantastic for Allan. He did so many great things they even taught him to drive!

He was posted to Acton where he worked within a very diverse community and every officer worked as a team. The camaraderie went beyond the shift times and there was a social side of police work.

Having passed his Sergeants exam his score was sufficiently high enough Allan was able to apply for the special course a Bramshill. He was unsuccessful and to this day Allan believes that his normal Scottish education he was not deemed to be suitable.

Australian woman from UCL had been stabbed by an attacker in central London enquiries identified the suspect and his mental health issues were such that he had a hatred for Tartan! Former officer John Birbeck went onto claim this investigation as a success much to the amazement of Allan.

Allan served as part of the team investigating the Brixton riot in 1981 identifying and arresting suspect for local officers to deal with.

He went to West Yorkshire on the miners strike despite having no public order experience. He recalls his visit to the pit in Scotland when I saw his father working below ground and knew the struggles the miners faced so his approach to the striking miners was very reflective.

Following a meeting with career development he made the decision to move back to Scotland a variety of roles and eventually joined Butlins as head of personnel. After 10 years he was made redundant and moved to the USA under the fullbright scheme. Having arrived he began to teach at a school in Maine.

His return to UK gave him opportunity and ran his own company and eventually went into politics. He was elected as a SNP Member of Parliament this gave him opportunity to raise the question of prosecution for the man behind the murder of Yvonne Fletcher in 1984. Both Boris Johnson and Rishi Sunak refused to intervene and release vital information.

Allan served on the standards committee and was present during the investigation into Boris Johnson took place following party gate. Allan holds the view that Boris should have gone to prison.

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Born in Islington where he was brought up. He went to school with members of band Spandau Ballet and was very friendly with Tony Hadley.

Aged 15 he decided to join the  cadets but after a lot of medicals the Met Police decided that his eyesight was not up to standard and was unable to join. At 18 the Metropolitan Police wrote to Mark and offered him a job.

He accepted the role, and he joined on a Monday and by the Wednesday he left Hendon! He went on to become a telecom engineer he then opened a dance wear shop which subsequently closed.

During a shopping trip to Letchworth he saw the recruitment team for Hertfordshire and decided to apply and was accepted. He was sent to Bruche for training which he found particularly difficult. 

His initial posting was Hatfield, and this is described as not being very nice and is the subject of the books written by Charlie Owen. Mark took on the beat at Codicote where he got to meet Kim Wilde. Upon the closure of the rural beats Mark was posted to Hitchin.

Having been posted to Boreham wood Mark decided to apply for the Metropolitan Police and was accepted. He was posted to Islington and his dreams were shattered. It wasn’t the force that he had hoped it would be.

He returned to Hertfordshire for until 2005 when he applied for and was accepted to British Transport Police and was posted to Kings Cross. During his time he experienced the delights of traveling football fans and people who had jumped in front of a speeding train.

Following the Borough Market/London Bridge attack Mark became the spoc for PC Wayne Marques and was disappointed at the reaction of the senior BTP management.

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