THE TRUTH ABOUT BEING A POLICE DETECTIVE

Crime dramas like Happy Valley make for gripping TV, but how close are they to reality? DCI Fiona Wynne of North Yorkshire Police reveals all...

- SARAH BARRATT

Q What does a typical morning for you look like?

A My alarm goes off between 5.30 and 6am. As a detective, I don’t wear a uniform, but I still like to look smart in a trouser suit or dress to project professionalism. I’m usually at the station by 7.30am. My first task is to read the daily ‘force log’, detailing major updates from the past 24 hours. If key crimes like high-risk domestic abuse or stalking have emerged overnight, I’ll brief my team of 70 and they will take action.

Q Which part of your job makes you spring out of bed?

A The fact that every day is different. As a senior investigative officer, or SIO, I might be the most senior detective on a major case – from kidnapping to murder – so I must be prepared to drop everything when something like this comes up, to gather and present evidence.

Q How did you get into your career in the first place?