Detective Sergeant Sarah Copeland

I am the third generation of my family to join the police. I joined Cambridgeshire Constabulary in 2004 after a few years working in banking following completion of my degree at the age of 24.

I spent two years as a probationer on shift, which was great fun. After completing my probation, I moved into investigations as a trainee detective constable. After qualifying as a detective, I was promoted and undertook roles as a custody, response and neighbourhood sergeant.

In 2010 I decided I wished to return to investigations so became a detective sergeant on a serious crime team at Thorpe Wood Police Station in Peterborough - a steep learning curve but I really enjoyed managing large investigations.  My team managed investigations up to attempted murder and the exposure to forensic work and building cases ready to present at court was fascinating.

In 2012 I moved into the newly-formed Domestic Abuse Investigating Safeguarding Unit. It was a very stressful and fast-paced environment, but I had such an amazing team of officers who worked tirelessly to protect domestic abuse victims. The hours were long, but the reward from seeing long custodial sentences and knowing victims were safe made it all worthwhile.

In 2016 I joined the Investigation Standards Department and I am still in post today. I love my job – I am responsible for supporting officers through the detective career pathway, from application to being awarded detective constable status. The force has personally supported me in my role by financing an external training qualification.

I have had two children during my career, now aged six and nine years. I also have a husband who works unpredictable hours in the police and the force has been really supportive allowing me to have a good work-life balance by providing flexible working arrangements. 

Sixteen years have flown by. As a detective you will have so many interesting and varied opportunities – your only problem will be trying to fit them all in before you have to retire!