Sarah Snowdon, 1981 to 1988
What do you do now?
I am a Police Officer with Lancashire Constabulary. I work within Public Order and Defensive Tactics training based at Police HQ, Hutton, nr Preston. I basically teach officers in riot training, self defence and method of entry training (how to gain entry into secured buildings).
How did you get into this line of work?
I was simply asked if I wanted to become a Defensive Tactics instructor. So I said yes. After I qualified I was teaching self defence on a part time basis alongside my normal everyday work as a Police officer within Pennine Division (Burnley area). A full time post was advertised back in 1999 for which I applied. In 2001 I transferred to my current post at Hutton.
Has it been difficult in a traditionally ‘man’s world’?
There are a total of 3706 Police officers in Lancashire, 988 of whom are women (26.66%). Working within the Police service has been a challenge on some occasions. I joined the Constabulary in 1990 and things were quite different then. Choosing a career in Public Order training has certainly had its moments!
What does it take to be successful?
Determination and hard work
Any advice for Westholme girls today?
Make sure that whatever career path you choose in life, enjoy it!