Hear about working for us: Roads Policing Motorcyclist, Hazel
PC Hazel, is currently the only female motorcyclist in Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary.
Tell us about your role?
I work as a roads policing motorcyclist based at Havant Police Station. My team and I work to keep the roads safe by targeting criminals using the transport network and investigating road fatalities.
What does this entail?
Responding to fatal and serious injury road collisions means we deal with the initial incident, which can involve giving lifesaving CPR, tending to catastrophic injuries or supporting witnesses at the scene with what they’ve seen.
We also keep the scene intact and work with our colleagues in Forensic Collision Investigation Unit (FCIU) to take photos, measure skid marks and scan to capture every aspect of the scene so it can be reconstructed later. The vehicles are recovered forensically or mechanically which enables DNA samples to be taken and testing to see if there’s anything wrong with it, such as brake issues.
Even after the scene is closed down, our job is not over. We investigate CCTV, witness statements and deploy a family liaison officer (FLO) to support families through the investigation and court process.
Outside of responding, we also patrol high-priority roads; such as the M27 and A3; to reduce road traffic collisions where these are more likely to happen. We target people who use the road network to commit crime, deploying tactics to stop these vehicles and apprehend suspects.
Why did you join the police?
My mum was a police sergeant and I always thought she was cool. I joined as a police community support officer (PCSO) in 2015. At the time I wanted to be a police constable (PC) in Hampshire, but they weren’t recruiting so I looked to transfer elsewhere and in 2018 I joined the British Transport Police (BTP) in London as a PC. I spent 3 years there before being able to transfer back to Hampshire in 2021. In 2022 I joined the Roads Policing Department which was my dream role.
Did you always want to be a police motorcyclist?
My goal from when I was young was always to be a female motorcyclist. I knew it would take me a while to get the experience, but worked my way onto the department and then showed my interest for bikes straight away. I believe there have been two female motorcyclists before me, but none since 2010 and I am the only female motorcyclist in Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary currently. I had my doubts about riding the huge bikes but I hope other people see what I’m doing and it gives them the confidence to do it too.
Do you have any advice for women interested in becoming motorcycle officers?
I would say go for it. It is daunting and we do have to work harder in certain areas just because the bikes are so big and physically us girls are smaller! But practice makes perfect and there is nothing you can’t achieve that a man can. I am always happy for anyone to approach me and ask me for my tips on how I overcome the little hurdles!
How do you find being the only female officer in the team?
I am obviously immensely proud of myself, as to look at, I look like a typical girly girl (and yes my favourite colour is pink!) but I love shocking people that I am not the ‘normal’ biker. I want to get other females riding as I am so proud of how far we’ve come in the force -when my mum was an officer, she was given a handbag!!
What is different about being a motorcyclist to an advanced car driver?
I am an advanced motorcyclist and off-road motorcyclist. I love driving a car but there is nothing like riding a motorcycle. I see more on a bike. I see more offences, can fit through smaller gaps and get to places quicker. I also find it better to engage with other motorcyclists if I am on mine as well. The only downside to a bike is there’s no air-con when it’s really hot!!
What do you enjoy doing outside of work?
I am a keen motorcyclist outside of work too! I started riding from a very young age when my dad used to take me off-road motorcycling. I went on to get my A2 licence at 18 and then my full A licence at 20. I now go out riding with my dad including taking our shared Honda CRF named ‘Hetty’ off-roading. I also play netball and currently play for two teams in the Portsmouth League.
If you would like more information on applying to become a police officer, please follow the link below.
Neighbourhood Officer
Hear about Joseph’s role as a ‘Local Bobby’, Designed Neighbourhood Officer for Totton Neighbourhood Police Team.
As well learning more about the work Joseph does for our Black, Ethnic and Minority (BEAM) support network.
Police Constable
Owen started his career in policing at just 18 years old.
Prior to joining, Owen gained
valuable experience through various part-time roles, including pub and warehouse work, building people skills, resilience, and professionalism.
Contact Management
Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary would not function without the dedication of its incredible non-officer staff.
We spoke to Naomi in the Contact Management Department about the vital role she plays in policing.
Dog Handler
We caught up with Neal Skinner, former Royal Military Police and now police dog handler in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight Constabulary about the transition from the military to the Constabulary.