From the moment the early shift briefing ends, response officers never quite know what the day will bring.

For student officer PC Dickinson‑Moore, currently in her fifth month on the Detective Constable Entry Programme, every call‑out is another opportunity to learn on the job, guided by the experience of her tutor, PC Nuttall.

No two days are ever the same on response policing in Rochdale, and this shift proved no exception.

During a single 7am-3pm shift, the pair dealt with urgent incidents, made arrests, supported vulnerable members of the public and carried out proactive patrols: showcasing the pace, unpredictability and real‑world experience that defines frontline policing.

PC Nuttall, who has served on the Rochdale response team for the past three years, was working alongside student officer PC Dickinson‑Moore, currently in her fifth month on the Detective Constable Entry Programme.

Following an early‑shift briefing, the pair began proactive patrols in high‑crime areas. While on patrol, PC Nuttall spotted a vehicle being driven suspiciously.

After stopping the car, PC Dickinson‑Moore identified the driver, it transpired he was wanted, and he was arrested on suspicion of assault and criminal damage.

They were then called to a concern for welfare in Grimshaw Lane, Middleton, where they supported a distressed young woman experiencing a medical episode, working alongside carers to ensure her safety and put a care plan in place.

Later, the officers attended reports of a potential stabbing in Lower Fallinge, Rochdale, locating a man with a minor shoulder injury. Although he declined medical treatment or to support an investigation, officers provided first aid and completed safeguarding measures. No arrests were made.

As the shift continued, they dealt with a variety of job including a returned missing person, a road traffic collision resulting in a man being arrest, burglary visits, and ongoing proactive patrols across the district.

As the shift came to an end, it was clear just how varied and unpredictable response policing can be.

For those on response in Rochdale, every shift brings new challenges and new opportunities to make a real difference in the community they serve.

PC Nuttall said: “Response policing is fast‑paced and challenging, but that’s exactly why I love this job. Every shift is different, and you never know who you’re going to help or what you’ll be dealing with next.

“Mentoring student officers and seeing them grow in confidence is also a very rewarding part of my role.”

PC Dickinson-Moore added: “I’m really enjoying the learning process on response. No two days are the same and I’ve gained so much experience already.

“PC Nuttall is a fantastic mentor, he is supportive, knowledgeable and always takes the time to explain things, which has made a huge difference to my development.”

If you are interested in becoming a student officer like PC Dickenson-Moore take a look at our careers page where we offer the Police Constable Entry Program and the Detective Constable Entry Program.

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